On March 23, 2025, during the ONE 172 event at Saitama Super Arena, Yuya Wakamatsu made history by defeating Brazilian fighter Adriano Moraes with a TKO in just 3 minutes and 39 seconds of the first round, claiming the prestigious ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship title. Wakamatsu, who had previously lost to Moraes in March 2022, took revenge in a spectacular fashion, showcasing a series of powerful punches that caught the referee's attention and led to the stoppage of the bout.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Wakamatsu, who expressed his deep gratitude and emotional reflection after the match. Following his win, he proclaimed, "Mom, I did it! I want to thank my parents for bringing me into this world and for the last 30 years I have been able to live. I am truly grateful to be on this incredible stage. That's all I have to say." This heartfelt message resonated in the arena, drawing cheers from the audience.
Throughout the fight, Wakamatsu demonstrated an aggressive strategy, effectively using a right straight that pushed Moraes back and followed up with relentless combinations, eventually leading to the TKO. By avenging his loss from three years prior, Wakamatsu reached his dream of becoming the world champion, a goal that had motivated him through his challenging career.
During the post-fight interview, he candidly shared, "I just wanted to show that even though I'm mentally very weak, dreams can still be achieved." Wakamatsu also received a substantial bonus of $50,000 from ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong, underlining the significance of his achievement and performance that night.
Wakamatsu is not just a skilled fighter but also a symbol of resilience and determination. He was born on February 9, 1995, in Satsumasendai, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, and turned professional in 2015. Since then, he has been a rising star within the fighting world, moving to ONE Championship in September 2018, where he has developed a reputation as a formidable competitor.
In the context of this competition, Wakamatsu's win was even more significant because it was part of the historical reset in the flyweight division, following the relinquishment of the title by Demetrious Johnson due to inactivity. With this championship victory, Wakamatsu reinforces the narrative of a new era in the flyweight category.
The event was not solely about Wakamatsu's triumph; it was a night full of highs and lows for the participants. For instance, prominent fighter Takeru Segawa faced a shocking loss in his match against Rodtang Jitmuangnon, where he was knocked out just 80 seconds into the first round. This unexpected defeat sent ripples through the audience and garnered significant media attention.
The mixed martial arts event provided a blend of thrilling fights and emotional moments, with Wakamatsu's revenge story standing out as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and family support. In a culture where martial arts often intertwine deeply with respect and honor, Wakamatsu's acknowledgment of his family's role and his commitment to protecting them underlined the stakes at play in such competitive sports.
As he raised his championship belt and celebrated with his family, Wakamatsu's victory was more than just a personal achievement; it represented hope and inspiration to others who feel they might not be strong enough to pursue their dreams. His win is a reminder that struggles can lead to significant accomplishments and that the journey is often just as important as the destination.
With his eyes set on future challenges, Wakamatsu aims to solidify his place in the annals of MMA history. Meanwhile, the fighting community and fans eagerly await to see how the landscape of the flyweight division evolves following this dramatic turn of events.
Yuya Wakamatsu's triumph at ONE 172 marks not only a personal victory but also a pivotal moment for the ONE Championship and its flyweight division. The echo of his win will resonate in the hearts of many aspiring fighters and fans alike.
