Yuya Wakamatsu sometimes forgets he’s wearing championship gold until reality suddenly crashes back, reminding the Japanese warrior that his defense against Joshua Pacio at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 in Japan represents everything he spent his entire career building toward.

The ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion captured the vacant throne in March through a first-round destruction of former multi-time champion Adriano Moraes at ONE 172, delivering the kind of stunning knockout that transforms contenders into kings. That victory inside Saitama Super Arena before his home fans crowned years of sacrifice that included a painful 2022 defeat against the same Brazilian opponent at ONE X.

Redemption tastes sweeter than first-time glory ever could. Wakamatsu’s career-defining performance sent shockwaves through the division while validating everything the 30-year-old from Kagoshima had endured during his climb toward the summit.

“At the March event, everything just came together. I was at my peak, and I captured the title at that moment,” he said. “It was truly the best moment of my life.”

But Wakamatsu handles pressure unlike most fighters. The Tribe Tokyo MMA representative approaches every fight with brutal honesty about what defeat means to his career and identity. Losing isn’t just a setback or temporary disappointment — it represents complete destruction of everything he’s built.

“For me, losing basically equals death. I’ll fight as if it’s my last,” he said. “I want to put my entire way of life into those 25 minutes.”

That mentality drives him toward something bigger than personal glory. Wakamatsu wants Japanese fighters watching from home to see his all-or-nothing approach and believe they can achieve similar greatness through relentless determination. Inspiration matters more than accolades when measuring his championship reign’s true success.

His November 16 defense inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena delivers the ultimate test against Pacio, the reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion hunting history as the Philippines’ first two-division MMA king. The Baguio City native recently defended his crown through second-round destruction of Jarred Brooks at ONE 171, showcasing the finishing ability that makes him dangerous for anyone.

Wakamatsu welcomes the challenge despite knowing Pacio brings World Championship experience and hunger for greatness that matches his own.

“I know he’ll come at me ready to risk everything, and I want to show the fans a true war,” he said.

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