Yuya Wakamatsu’s journey to the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship is a tale of perseverance, redemption, and triumph
His ability to learn from past defeats, adapt his skills, and execute a flawless game plan against a former champion showcases the qualities of a true warrior.
His victory at ONE 172 was not just a personal achievement but a defining moment for Japanese MMA. With the belt around his waist, Wakamatsu now carries the responsibility of leading a new generation of fighters and proving that Japanese mixed martial arts is still a force to be reckoned with.
As he continues his reign, one thing remains clear—Yuya Wakamatsu is no longer just dreaming of greatness. He is living it.
Throughout his career, Wakamatsu has remained grounded and appreciative of his supporters. In his post-fight speech, he dedicated his victory to his fans, coaches, and family who stood by him through every challenge.
His journey from an underdog to world champion is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and self-belief.
As he basks in the glory of his championship win, Wakamatsu remains focused on the future, determined to cement his legacy as one of the greatest flyweight fighters in MMA history.
With his hunger for greatness and newfound confidence as a champion, the reign of Yuya Wakamatsu has just begun.
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Table of Contents
Yuya Wakamatsu: From Dream to Reality as ONE Flyweight Champion
Thousands of his hometown fans watched in awe as Yuya Wakamatsu lifted the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title above his head, but for the newly crowned champion, the biggest win of his life came to him in a dream.1
Wakamatsu’s victory at ONE 172 was nothing short of historic, marking the pinnacle of his career and solidifying his place among MMA’s elite.
The Japanese fighter captured the vacant flyweight MMA throne by defeating his old nemesis, Adriano Moraes, in the first round of their world title clash at the legendary Saitama Super Arena.
The emotional win was amplified by the presence of his family, friends, and an electric home crowd that erupted in celebration.
Despite the tangible reality of his triumph, Wakamatsu confessed that it still felt surreal.
“I was able to wear the championship belt, which was my dream. When I came to Tokyo 12 years ago, I never thought this day would come, so it feels like I’m still in a dream,” Wakamatsu shared on Instagram.
The Long Road to the Championship
Wakamatsu’s road to championship glory was paved with obstacles, setbacks, and personal growth. His first attempt at claiming the title ended in disappointment when he faced Moraes at ONE X in March 2022.
Despite putting up a valiant effort, Wakamatsu fell to the Brazilian champion via submission in the third round.
Instead of allowing the loss to define him, Wakamatsu returned to the drawing board, refining his skills and sharpening his mental fortitude.
His resurgence in the division saw him stack up impressive victories, proving that he was destined for another shot at the gold.
Yuya Wakamatsu: Learning from Defeat
Wakamatsu’s first bout against Moraes taught him valuable lessons about championship-level competition.2
He realized that physical strength alone wouldn’t secure victory against seasoned fighters with diverse skill sets.
He dedicated himself to refining his ground game, strengthening his takedown defense, and improving his striking accuracy.
His hard work paid off when he earned a second opportunity to face Moraes, this time with the vacant title on the line. Unlike their first encounter, Wakamatsu entered the fight with a strategic approach, fully aware of Moraes’ strengths and weaknesses.
A Dominant Performance Against Moraes
From the opening bell, Wakamatsu displayed confidence and precision. Knowing he had a striking advantage over Moraes, he dictated the pace early, preventing the Brazilian from establishing his usual rhythm.
He effectively used his footwork to cut off angles and applied constant pressure, forcing Moraes onto the back foot.
After successfully escaping Moraes’ clinch attempts, Wakamatsu unleashed a barrage of strikes that left his opponent vulnerable.
With calculated aggression, he transitioned to ground-and-pound, raining down devastating blows that prompted referee Herb Dean to step in and stop the fight at the 3:39 mark of the first round.
Yuya Wakamatsu: The Significance of Winning in Japan
Winning the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title was a monumental achievement in itself, but doing so in front of a passionate Japanese crowd made it even more special for Wakamatsu.3
Saitama Super Arena has hosted some of the most legendary moments in combat sports history, and Wakamatsu’s victory added another unforgettable chapter to the venue’s legacy.
Having his family present made the occasion even more emotional. Their unwavering support throughout his journey, from a hopeful young fighter to a world champion, was a testament to the sacrifices they all made along the way.
Nicknamed ‘Little Piranha’ for his relentless fighting style, Wakamatsu has evolved into a well-rounded martial artist. While his early career was defined by explosive knockouts and aggressive striking, his recent fights have showcased a more calculated and strategic fighter.
His ability to blend striking with improved grappling and defensive techniques has made him a formidable force in the flyweight division. Wakamatsu’s growth as a fighter mirrors his personal journey—overcoming adversity, learning from defeats, and constantly striving for greatness.
The Impact on Japanese MMA
Wakamatsu’s victory is a significant moment for Japanese MMA. The country has a rich history in combat sports, producing legends such as Kazushi Sakuraba, Takanori Gomi, and Shinya Aoki.
However, in recent years, Japanese fighters have faced challenges in reclaiming global dominance in the sport.
Wakamatsu’s rise to the top serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Japanese fighters. His journey proves that perseverance, hard work, and self-belief can lead to greatness, even against the toughest competition on the international stage.
What’s Next for Wakamatsu?
With the championship belt now in his possession, Wakamatsu faces the challenge of defending his title against a stacked flyweight division.
Potential challengers include former champions, rising prospects, and hungry contenders eager to dethrone him.
Names like Demetrious Johnson, Kairat Akhmetov, and Reece McLaren could all be potential opponents for Wakamatsu’s first title defense.
Each presents a unique challenge, but if his journey to the top is any indication, Wakamatsu is more than ready to face whoever comes next.
A Champion’s Mindset
One of the most admirable aspects of Wakamatsu’s journey is his mindset. He remains humble despite achieving his lifelong dream and continues to express gratitude for the support he’s received.
His social media posts reflect his appreciation for his coaches, training partners, and fans. Rather than basking in the glory of his victory, Wakamatsu remains focused on improvement and staying prepared for future challenges.
“This is just the beginning. I will continue to train hard and make my country proud,” he stated in a post-fight interview.
Wakamatsu’s victory is more than just a personal milestone; it represents the resilience of a fighter who refused to give up on his dreams.
His journey from a young hopeful in Tokyo to the ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion is a testament to dedication, sacrifice, and the unyielding spirit of a warrior.
As he embarks on this new chapter as champion, his story will continue to inspire fighters around the world.
Whether he remains on top for years to come or faces new adversities, one thing is certain—Yuya Wakamatsu has already cemented his place in the history of MMA.
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Yuya Wakamatsu: Tactical Masterclass Against Moraes
Determined to make the most of his second chance, Wakamatsu approached the rematch against Moraes with a well-thought-out game plan.
Knowing that his strength lay in his striking, he focused on dictating the pace of the fight. From the opening bell, Wakamatsu pressured Moraes, keeping him on the backfoot and forcing him to fight defensively.
Moraes, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, attempted to control the fight through clinches and takedown attempts, but Wakamatsu’s improved defensive grappling allowed him to stay on his feet.
Once free from Moraes’ grip, Wakamatsu launched a relentless offensive attack.
A Stunning Finish
The decisive moment came when Wakamatsu unleashed a barrage of vicious strikes on Moraes. With calculated precision, he delivered punishing blows that left his opponent reeling.
Sensing an opportunity, Wakamatsu followed Moraes to the ground and continued his assault with devastating ground-and-pound.
Referee Herb Dean had no choice but to stop the fight at the 3:39 mark of the first round, officially crowning Wakamatsu as the new ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion.
Yuya Wakamatsu: The Significance of his Victory
Wakamatsu’s triumph was not just a personal milestone; it was a historic moment for Japanese MMA.
His victory signified a resurgence of elite Japanese fighters on the global stage. In a sport where Japanese competitors have struggled to dominate in recent years, Wakamatsu’s win reignited national pride and solidified his status as one of the top flyweight fighters in the world.
Moreover, his story resonated deeply with fans, especially those who followed his journey from a young, ambitious fighter to a world champion.
His ability to bounce back from setbacks and achieve greatness served as an inspiration to aspiring martial artists everywhere.
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The Evolution of ‘Little Piranha’
Wakamatsu, known as ‘Little Piranha,’ has always been a feared striker with knockout power. However, his early career showed weaknesses in his ground game, a flaw that cost him his first fight against Moraes.
Understanding this, Wakamatsu dedicated himself to improving his grappling and overall fight IQ.
Training with some of the best wrestlers and submission specialists, Wakamatsu transformed into a well-rounded fighter.
His ability to neutralize Moraes’ grappling attempts and dictate the fight on his terms demonstrated his evolution inside the cage.
What’s Next for the New Champion?
Now that Wakamatsu has reached the pinnacle of the flyweight division, the question arises: what’s next? With the title in his possession, he must now defend it against a stacked division filled with formidable challengers.
Potential contenders such as Kairat Akhmetov, Demetrious Johnson, and Reece McLaren could pose serious threats to his reign.
A possible rematch with Johnson, the legendary former champion, would be a dream fight for many fans.
Wakamatsu previously faced ‘Mighty Mouse’ in 2019 but fell short via submission. With both fighters evolving since their last encounter, a second fight could be an electrifying showdown.
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