For Yuya Wakamatsu, maintaining his ONE Flyweight MMA World Title has significance extending beyond mere athletic competition — in his perspective, failure is simply not a viable outcome.
Wakamatsu defends his title against Joshua Pacio at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 30-year-old Japanese athlete will make his first title defense against the current strawweight titleholder in a noteworthy champion-versus-champion matchup.
Many athletes view championships as important professional achievements. Wakamatsu perceives his title like a necessity for existence. That intense mindset propelled him through tough losses against renowned fighters like Demetrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes until he finally succeeded.
His triumph over Moraes in March at ONE 172 justified years of commitment. The first-round TKO inside Saitama Super Arena provided Japan with a new flyweight champion while overshadowing memories of their 2022 contest that resulted in a submission loss. Everything aligned perfectly that evening when the stakes were at their highest.
The reality still seems dreamlike several months afterward. Wakamatsu occasionally forgets he possesses the championship until someone reminds him. However, that mental separation doesn’t diminish his preparation. He approaches each fight prepared to do everything in his power rather than relinquish what he invested his life pursuing.
“I want to demonstrate that ONE’s flyweight [division] is unparalleled. That’s why I absolutely cannot be defeated. To me, being defeated is comparable to non-existence. I’ll compete as though it’s my final opportunity,” he expressed.
“I aspire to inspire fans with bravery and optimism. I intend to channel my entire existence into those 25 minutes.”
Yuya Wakamatsu sees championship as an avenue for inspiration
The title represents more than individual success for Yuya Wakamatsu. The Tribe Tokyo MMA representative views his title reign as a source of motivation for others chasing seemingly unattainable aspirations.
Japan’s martial arts tradition values excellence while honoring competitors who dedicate their all in competition. Wakamatsu embodies that attitude through his unwavering method. His evolution from challenging competitor to champion demonstrates that commitment ultimately surmounts talent deficiencies and unfavorable timing.
Joshua Pacio brings considerable threat to Tokyo. The Filipino star aims to make history as his nation’s inaugural two-division MMA champion following his dominance in the strawweight class for many years. He attained that honor multiple times, constantly recovering from overwhelming setbacks with champion-caliber performances.
“At the March event, everything simply synchronized. I was at my absolute best, and I secured the title at that precise moment. It was undeniably the greatest moment of my life. The most significant transformation is that I now hold the title of champion. I’ve also cultivated confidence. One of my ambitions materialized, and it feels as though I’ve begun a new phase,” he stated.
“Occasionally, I simply contemplate, ‘Oh yes, I’m the champion.’ I lose sight of the fact that I’m the champion. But my frame of mind hasn’t genuinely changed. Honestly, it still doesn’t register as real to me. I’ve consistently felt pressure, because I compete with the mindset that, ‘If I am defeated, it’s concluded.’ So ultimately, all I can achieve is to compete with everything I possess.
“If individuals witness me dedicating everything in the competition and think, ‘Incredible, that’s remarkable. I want to attempt it as well. I am also capable,’ then truthfully, that’s adequate for me.
“I am aware that he’ll confront me prepared to risk everything, and I aspire to showcase a genuine conflict to the fans.”
