With Demetrious Johnson leaving ONE Championship’s flyweight throne vacant, the rest of the division is trying to make themselves the most attractive option for the crown. At ONE Fight Night 26 on Friday, December 6, #2-ranked contender Yuya Wakamatsu will try to do the same. He welcomes Gilbert Nakatani to the organization and plans to spoil his party to keep pace atop the division.
“It could be risky, depending on how you look at it. But I feel I have an advantage because of the experience I’ve gained competing in ONE. It’s like defending my home turf – I have a strong determination not to lose,” Wakamatsu said to ONE.
While Nakatani will be experiencing the global stage for the first time in U.S. primetime, “Little Piranha” is not letting that give him false confidence. The 29-year-old is preparing for the best version of the Californian. In four-ounce gloves, all it takes is one shot to upset the apple cart.
“This applies to every opponent, but it’s important to never let your guard down. He’ll be looking for a finish in every aspect, and so will I. The key is to find balance and not get reckless. He has a strong right hand and plenty of power, so I need to make sure I don’t lose in those areas,” the flyweight contender remarked.
Wakamatsu understands he needs to win as the division prepares to chase the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Title. More importantly, he knows he must win impressively to avoid being passed by another top contender. The pressure of the flyweight showdown has the talented flyweight looking for a finish on Friday night.
“I have several scenarios in mind. I could go for a submission or a knockout with my punches. Whether it’s by decision or finish, I’m prepared for anything. If there’s a chance, I’ll aim for the finish – I don’t want to leave it up to the judges. Winning an uninteresting decision doesn’t mean much to me. From the first second to the last, I’ll be looking for a finish, as always. I also want to show how much I’ve evolved, especially over my last two fights,” Wakamatsu stated.
Your first look at the ONE Fight Night 26 on Prime Video card, headlined by the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title battle between Christian Lee and Alibeg Rasulov 👑 Which fights are you pumped for on December 6?#ONEFightNight26 | Dec 6 at 8PM ET
🇺🇸🇨🇦 Watch Live on Prime
🇬🇧🇮🇪… pic.twitter.com/M0UxYhmr1Y— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) November 18, 2024
Should Wakamatsu get the win he desires, he will be looking at a possible rematch against Adriano Moraes. The Brazilian and former ONE flyweight king picked up his own impressive victory at ONE 169. However, Wakamatsu is prepared to face anyone for the gold, even if it’s not his former rival.
“I definitely want the ONE Championship belt. I don’t care who the opponent is – I just want a title fight and to wear that belt. If I win this fight, I’ll ask for a title shot. Whether it’s a rematch with [Adriano] Moraes or someone else, I’ll take on whoever ONE puts in front of me,” the Japanese athlete commented.
At ONE Fight Night 26, “Little Piranha” wants to show how much he has grown as a martial artist. His past showings, including a loss to Moraes, are memories he wants to erase as he comes into his physical prime. Wakamatsu is confident he can show the world he is a much more dangerous athlete, ready to take the gold that has eluded him thus far in his career.
“The fact that Moraes managed to win [over Kingad] was truly impressive. That said, I’m confident I can surpass that and finish him myself. Looking back, I’m a completely different fighter now compared to two years ago. I believe I can knock Moraes out,” Wakamatsu said.
ONE Fight Night 26 airs live on Friday, December 6, on Prime Video. The action begins at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
