- George Chung
- Dec 3, 2024
- 2 min read
Yuya Wakamatsu is on the brink of making history, and the stakes couldn't be higher. On Friday, December 6, the electrifying “Little Piranha” takes center stage at ONE Fight Night 26 on Prime Video, locking horns with newcomer Gilbert Nakatani in a high-octane flyweight showdown that promises fireworks.
With the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship now vacant following Demetrious Johnson’s legendary retirement, the division is ripe for the taking. But for Wakamatsu, this isn’t just another fight—it’s his chance to secure a shot at the gold and cement his legacy.
Wakamatsu, already a seasoned veteran of the global stage, is determined to use his experience in ONE to his advantage. "This is my home turf," he confidently declared. "I have a strong determination not to lose. While Nakatani is new to this stage, I know better than to underestimate him."
Wakamatsu’s respect for the dangers of the cage is clear. The Japanese star acknowledges Nakatani’s devastating power, particularly his right hand, but isn’t backing down. “The key is to find balance and not get reckless,” he shared. “He’ll be looking for a finish, and so will I.”
The #2-ranked contender isn’t interested in playing it safe. Wakamatsu is laser-focused on delivering a statement victory—ideally, a knockout or submission. “Winning an uninteresting decision doesn’t mean much to me,” he said. “From the first second to the last, I’ll be hunting for a finish. I also want to showcase how much I’ve evolved, especially in my last two fights.”
With Adriano Moraes already making waves as the likely candidate for the vacant title fight, Wakamatsu is hungry to join him. Whether it’s Moraes or someone else, “Little Piranha” is ready for whoever ONE Championship throws his way. "I just want the title fight and to wear that belt," he stated. "If it’s a rematch with Moraes, I’ll finish him this time."
Looking ahead, Wakamatsu is confident that his growth over the past two years has made him a completely different fighter—a fighter capable of knocking out legends. “The fact that Moraes won [against Kingad] was impressive,” he admitted. “But I believe I can surpass that. I’m confident I can knock Moraes out.”
As ONE Fight Night 26 approaches, Wakamatsu’s determination to make his mark is palpable. Will “Little Piranha” bite down hard enough to claim his place in the history books? Tune in on December 6, live and free on Prime Video at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST, to witness the next chapter in this flyweight thriller unfold.
