Yuya Wakamatsu is one of the most entertaining fighters in MMA today
The 30-year-old has already conquered formidable Filipino warriors in the past
But Joshua Pacio, one of the most well-rounded fighters, is an entirely different beast
Reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu will be looking to end his upcoming opponent’s night the best way he knows how — by sending him into outer space with his knockout power.
The Japanese firecracker will face reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio in the first defense of his gold at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, live at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Wakamatsu is one of the most entertaining fighters in MMA today. The Tribe Tokyo MMA product combines methodical precision with explosive aggression, as he patiently dissects opponents before unleashing devastating combinations. When “Little Piranha” lands clean, fights end violently.
He’s delivered multiple highlight-reel finishes on the global stage of ONE Championship — perhaps none more impressive than his World Title-winning finish of former divisional king Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes at ONE 172 this past March.
But facing Pacio is an entirely different beast. The Filipino superstar is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the promotion. Over the years, the Baguio City native has transformed himself from a wushu striking specialist into a potent offensive force complete with world-class grappling skills.
Look no further than Pacio’s second-round TKO victory over American rival Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks at ONE 171: Qatar this past February for proof of this.
But despite “The Passion’s” formidable weaponry, Wakamatsu believes he has discovered critical flaws in the Filipino’s game which he plans to take advantage of:
“I’d say my style is more like out-boxing, but at the core, I’m basically a counter-fighter. As for Pacio, if his opponent doesn’t engage, he’ll press forward aggressively. And if you rush in carelessly, he’ll catch you with a heavy counter.
“My own style is to apply pressure, stepping in and then stepping back out. So when I compare our styles, I think they match up well.”
Wakamatsu has been imbued with mind-numbing knockout power in his fists which has served as the ultimate equalizer in his career up to this point.
The 30-year-old kingpin has already conquered formidable Filipino warriors in the past, including former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio and Pacio’s current Lions Nation MMA teammate Danny “The King” Kingad.
Now, Wakamatsu aims to make history by becoming the first man to knock out “The Passion.” He said:
“In the heat of a striking battle, I want to show my stand-up game. It’s really a kill-or-be-killed feeling. I want to come out on top and catch my opponent clean. Either knock him unconscious or drop him, then finish with ground-and-pound until the referee steps in. That’s the ideal finish for me.
“So in the end, all I can do is fight with everything I have. From the opening bell, there will be tension. I hope the fans can enjoy that tension. Because honestly, you never know which of us will go down.”
Wakamatsu Respects Pacio’s Legacy In ONE Championship
Defending the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship for the first time will bring Yuya Wakamatsu’s journey full circle. His career has intertwined with Joshua Pacio’s for years, though they’ve carved separate paths through the all-encompassing sport.
At ONE: Conquest of Heroes in September 2018, Wakamatsu made his ONE debut against Danny Kingad. Pacio headlined that same event, making history with a unanimous decision win over Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito to capture his first World Title.
Several years later, they now find themselves on the precipice of destiny, facing off in a collision neither can avoid. The timing feels almost poetic. The Japanese veteran reflected:
“When I made my debut about six or seven years ago, Joshua Pacio was already fighting on the same card. In the main event that night, he faced Yoshitaka Naito and became the champion.
“Since then, he has held the title for a long time. Of course, he’s had some losses along the way, but his accomplishments speak for themselves. Also, he has a longer career than I do, and he has defended the belt many times.”
Wakamatsu understands fully the magnitude of his next fight. The Filipino challenger’s World Championship pedigree cannot be denied, and his quest for two-division glory means he will hold nothing back in the Circle.
The Japanese knockout artist is willing to meet “The Passion” head-on, and he hopes the night ends with him separating Pacio from his senses.
But despite his confidence, Wakamatsu won’t make the mistake of underestimating Pacio in the latter’s flyweight MMA debut:
“He’s a dangerous striker and a true all-rounder. He controls the fight really well. And he has knockout power in every strike. Knees, punches, and kicks are all dangerous.
“He can finish with one shot. On top of that, he manages the flow of the fight extremely well. And not only that—his ground game is also very strong. Overall, he’s a very dangerous opponent.”
