- Yuya Wakamatsu will make his first ONE Flyweight MMA World Title defense against strawweight king Joshua Pacio
- Wakamatsu vs Pacio showdown will take place at ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri at Ariake Arena, Tokyo on November 16, 2025
- For Japanese superstar Wakamatsu, it will be a World Champion versus World Champion convergence on home soil
Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu has spent years grinding through the flyweight division, chasing the dream of becoming a ONE World Champion. Now at the summit, he is preparing for one of the most important moments of his career.
On Sunday, November 16, the Japanese superstar will make his first ONE Flyweight MMA World Title defense against strawweight king Joshua “The Passion” Pacio. Their highly anticipated showdown will take place at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
In an exceptional World Champion versus World Champion convergence on home soil, Wakamatsu intends to seize the moment.
He said:
“When I first heard the match was confirmed, I honestly thought I’d be facing a different opponent. I never imagined it would be Joshua Pacio, the Strawweight Champion. I was really surprised, but at the same time, I’m truly honored and excited to share the [Circle] with him.”
Even with Pacio moving up in weight, Wakamatsu refuses to take him lightly. He has followed the Filipino star’s career and respects his credentials.
After all, Pacio is among the most accomplished mixed martial artists on the planet, having captured the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship seven times.
Most recently, he defeated Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks at ONE 171: Qatar to close their trilogy and cement his status as the undisputed 125-pound king.
Wakamatsu admitted:
“Pacio has beaten some really strong fighters, so even though he’s coming up from a lower weight class, he’s not to be underestimated. I think he’s a Champion who represents ONE.”
As November draws closer, the 30-year-old knows this fight is about more than hanging onto the belt. It’s also about proving that his time at the top isn’t temporary.
Wakamatsu has always delivered action, as seen in his crowning moment at ONE 172, when he finished Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes with a first-round ground-and-pound TKO to set the hometown crowd ablaze.
Now with the pressure of defending his strap at home against an elite challenger, “Little Piranha” is bracing for a grueling battle – and that’s exactly the kind of war he welcomes.
He offered:
“There’s absolutely no chance this will be a boring fight. If we both give it our all, it will naturally turn into an intense battle. I’m confident it will get the crowd fired up. I’m not out to knock someone out specifically; I just want to have a fight where I overcome myself.”
For Yuya Wakamatsu, winning the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title was the defining moment of his career, and it has given him a deeper drive.
Now that he is set to defend his crown against ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, the 30-year-old explains the meaning behind carrying that 26 pounds of gold.
“Having the belt gives me strength. It helps me push myself harder and become stronger. People often say defending is harder than chasing, but I don’t believe that. I think this is actually a source of power.”
This fight also carries meaning for his gym, TRIBE Tokyo MMA, a respected fixture in Japan’s martial arts scene. Wakamatsu sees ONE 173 as the perfect stage to raise the camp’s profile even more.
Sharing the card with teammate Ayaka “Zombie” Miura makes it even more special, especially since she’s set to challenge Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga – Pacio’s compatriot – for the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title.
They’ve spent years training side by side, so the moment carries extra weight.
The Japanese star said:
“Ayaka and I have fought on the same card many times, so I’m really happy that we get to share a title match together this time. Just yesterday, she taught me a neck throw, kind of like an ‘Ayaka Lock.’ She’s a senior I learn from every day.”
He’d love nothing more than for both of them to leave the event with gold. That would send a message about TRIBE Tokyo MMA’s place among the world’s best.
With a few months still to go, Wakamatsu is tightening every part of his game. He wants the fans in Ariake Arena to see him at his sharpest when fight night arrives.
The flyweight MMA king said:
“Belt or no belt, I always give it my all. There are strong fighters in other gyms too. But if we bring back two belts, I think it will solidify TRIBE as one of the top gyms in Japan. Let’s make it happen.”