Yuya Wakamatsu, a flyweight MMA star ranked second, has advanced significantly in the ONE Championship. He started out as a promising 22-year-old World Title contender, advanced through the ranks to become a divisional mainstay, and is hoping to win gold for the second time.
This Sunday, March 23, at Japan’s Saitama Super Arena, the Japanese jouster will rematch with #1-ranked flyweight MMA star Adriano Moraes for the unclaimed ONE Flyweight MMA World Title at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang.
Wakamatsu has the opportunity to get revenge on the former king in ONE 172. This follows their fight at ONE X three years ago. That evening, in the third round, Moraes knocked out the Japanese star.
But Wakamatsu feels that after three years, he is no longer the bright future he once was. Now a seasoned divisional mainstay, he is prepared to win the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship for the second time.
“Looking back at the ONE X event, when I fought, I was immature and I just felt overwhelmed. My mentality was such that I was confident, yet imperfect,” he said.
“The difference between where I was three years ago and where I am now is, in other words, I have realized what it means to fight, or what’s the purpose of life.”
Yuya Wakamatsu believes that the ONE 172 matchup is a must-win scenario.
Every indication points to Yuya Wakamatsu winning the World Title at ONE 172, or at least that’s his perspective.
In addition to getting another shot at gold, “Little Piranha” will compete in front of his countrymen at Saitama Super Arena.
Since there aren’t many chances to win the World Title, Wakamatsu is approaching the crucial match with a must-win mindset.
“This time, I’ll fight for a World Title in Japan. I would say this is the biggest challenge for me in my time with ONE,” he said.
“I appreciate such an opportunity. This is exactly why I am grateful for ONE. I feel like this is the chance I cannot miss, as they have set up everything for me.”
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