Reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya Wakamatsu will defend his crown against this current strawweight king Joshua Pacio in a champion-versus-champion showdown AN 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Saturday, November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The 30-year-old Japanese titleholder reflected on the career-defining moment when he captured the vacant flyweight title by knocking out multi-time champion Adriano Moraes in the first round at ONE 172 in March 2025. Wakamatsu described it as the best moment of his life, and now he looks set to make it a lasting memory again in a few weeks.
Title victory represents a life-changing moment for Japanese champion Wakamatsu
Wakamatsu expressed his deep gratitude for the circumstances that came together perfectly during his title-winning performance against the legendary Moraes. The Japanese striker believes he has reached his absolute peak at the ideal time, allowing him to fulfill a lifelong dream and embark on a new adventure in his MMA career.
“Everything came together at the event in March. I was at my peak and won the title at that moment. It was truly the best moment of my life. The biggest change is that I now hold the title of champion. One of my dreams has come true and I feel like I have started a new chapter,” said Wakamatsu.
The knockout win over Moraes marked the fourth straight win for Wakamatsu, who owns a 19-6 record. Since his defeat to MMA icon Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in 2019, he has shown the growth and perseverance needed to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Wakamatsu fights for division supremacy against Pacio
Wakamatsu understands the importance of defending his title against a champion from a different weight class, and views the fight as an opportunity to make ONE Championship’s flyweight division the best in the world. The Japanese title holder’s mentality reflects his willingness to leave everything behind in the Circle.
“I want to prove ONE’s flyweight [division] is the best in the world. That’s why I absolutely can’t lose. For me, losing is basically equal to death. I will fight like it’s my last. I want to put my whole way of life into those 25 minutes,” Wakamatsu said.
The extreme mentality shows that the champion understands what is at stake when facing a decorated opponent like Pacio, who brings a 23-4 record into this flyweight challenge.
Japanese star Wakamatsu promises explosive war in Tokyo
Wakamatsu acknowledged the mental pressure that comes with championship-level competition while expressing confidence in his preparation and willingness to engage in all-out war. ‘Little Piranha’, a nickname that pays tribute to his coach Ryo ‘Piranha’ Chonan, expects both himself and Pacio to deliver a memorable performance for the fans in his home country.
“I’ve always felt pressure because I fight the thought: ‘If I lose, it’s over.’ So in the end, all I can do is fight with everything I have. I know he will come to me ready to risk everything, and I want to show the fans a real war,” Wakamatsu said of his approach to the title defense.
The 29-year-old Filipino moved up from strawweight to flyweight gold, trying to become a two-division champion and prove he can take on bigger opponents. Pacio’s experience in high-stakes title fights and proven finishing ability make him a dangerous challenger for Wakamatsu’s throne.
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