MMA champ Yuya Wakamatsu vows to make it tough for Joshua Pacio

Reigning ONE flyweight world champion Yuya Wakamatsu vows not to make it easy for ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio when they meet atop the ring at ONE 173 on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Pacio, the lone mixed martial arts world champion from the Philippines, is chasing history as he aims to become the country’s first-ever two-division MMA world champion. But Wakamatsu insists he has no intention of letting that happen in his own backyard.

"This belt is something I fought for with everything I have—it’s the result of my life’s dedication. I won’t give it up easily," Wakamatsu declared.

"By defending it, I want to prove my worth as a true champion. I’m going into this with everything I’ve got. As a ONE Championship world champion, I’ll make sure to get the win in front of the Japanese fans."

Known for his heavy right hand, Wakamatsu is a familiar name to Filipino MMA fans. He debuted in ONE Championship in 2018 against Pacio’s teammate, Danny Kingad, losing by decision. A year later, he scored a first-round stoppage over former champion Geje Eustaquio at the Mall of Asia Arena, before avenging his loss to Kingad in a rematch six years later.

Earlier this year, Wakamatsu fulfilled his lifelong dream by claiming the flyweight world title with a first-round TKO over former champion Adriano Moraes. Now, with his belt and pride on the line, the Japanese striker says he is determined to deliver under the spotlight at home.

"I’ll step into the ring with the pride and responsibility of representing Japan," Wakamatsu said.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News