Cosmo Alexandre Says He Is 100 Percent Different Ahead Of Nieky Holzken Rematch

Brazil’s Cosmo “Good Boy” Alexandre (69-18-1) is ready to welcome Nieky Holzken to ONE Super Series by dishing out some revenge.

Alexandre was defeated by the Dutch star in Amsterdam, with “The Natural” edging the bout on the scorecards after their three-round clash.

Now, with the pair set to meet again in Holzken’s first-ever bout in ONE Super Series, Alexandre knows he is in for a tough assignment, but believes he is better equipped to defeat the Dutchman than he was eight years ago.

“It was a good fight, a hard fight,” he says.

“I know it will be a hard fight again, that’s why I’m training so much for it.

“I know he got better since then, but I can say I am much better now – 100 percent different. I have better hands, better kicks, so yeah, it will be different this time.”

The pair will meet at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM in Jakarta, with Alexandre looking to register his second straight win in ONE Super Series following his successful debut back in April.

The Brazilian defeated Australia’s Elliot Compton via second-round knockout thanks to a solid knee to the body. Now he is looking to embark on a winning run and push his claims for a shot at a World Title.

Alexandre’s desire to stay active almost led to him accepting a welterweight mixed martial arts bout, but eventually ended up being offered a high-profile rematch with Holzken in Indonesia, where the pair will face off at a catchweight of 78 kilograms.

“I am training hard, my body is feeling it, but my cardio now is much better than it was before my last fight,” he says

“I know Nieky is a really good fighter. I need to compete because this is my job and how I provide for my kids, but when I get in the ring with him, it will be for honour.”

Alexandre’s career goals lie in a higher weight class, but first, he has the opportunity to make some money for his family and attempt to avenge a loss against a high-profile opponent.

And he is ready to give his best and put on a show for the fans in Jakarta.

“I’m stronger than ever, my cardio is good, and I’m smarter than before,” he explains.

“If Nieky wants to win, he will have to do a lot, because I’m training so hard for this fight.”