"A new chapter of my career" - Joshua Pacio excited for historic opportunity against Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE 173

Joshua Pacio views his flyweight title challenge as more than just another fight – it represents a defining moment that could reshape his entire legacy.

The reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion challenges Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE flyweight MMA world title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16.

In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the 29-year-old Lions Nation MMA representative opened up about what this historic opportunity means for his career and his assessment of the defending world champion.

"Yeah, man. It's not just a new challenge, but it's like a new chapter of my career. [It's a] very big challenge, I think. But I believe Yuya Wakamatsu is a champion for a reason, and he's very strong, very fast. His timing is accurate, very good. But you know, I'm a champion too, and there's a reason why I'm here. And yeah, they gave me the opportunity – I will prove them," Joshua Pacio told SCMP.

For 'The Passion', who has competed in multiple world championship battles throughout his ONE Championship tenure since 2016, his experience in high-stakes moments could prove invaluable against Wakamatsu, who makes his first world title defense.

Could Pacio write a new chapter in his storied career by becoming a two-division MMA world champion, or will Wakamatsu's home advantage prove too much?

Watch Joshua Pacio's full interview on SCMP below:

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Yuya Wakamatsu expects a tough scrap vs. Joshua Pacio

Ahead of this all-champion clash at ONE 173, defending ONE flyweight MMA world champion Yuya Wakamatsu opened up on how this fight will unfold in Tokyo.

Though he remains confident of walking out of the venue with gold wrapped around his waist, 'Little Piranha' knows it will not be easy in this world title matchup.

"Whether either of us will be defeated or not will be hard to tell. I'm not easy to beat, and I don't think he's an opponent that will be easy to beat," Yuya Wakamatsu said in a vlog post on his YouTube channel.

Wakamatsu vs. Pacio will be one of five world title bouts set for ONE's blockbuster spectacle in Tokyo, Japan, this Sunday.

Fight fans can purchase their PPV passes for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri by visiting live.onefc.com.