Yuya Wakamatsu's first world title defense ended in spectacular fashion, but the Japanese champion admits his Filipino challenger nearly changed the script early.The 30-year-old reigning ONE flyweight MMA world champion retained his crown with a devastating second-round TKO of strawweight king Joshua Pacio in the co-main event of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, Nov. 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena. Not before experiencing some dangerous moments that tested his resolve on home soil, though.During his post-fight interview with commentator Mitch Chilson, 'Little Piranha' acknowledged that Pacio's early striking success forced him to adjust his game plan after the Filipino landed flush early in the opening frame."First of all, thank you, everyone, and thank you to my opponent, Joshua Pacio. I was really aiming to finish him in the first round, but he rocked me hard with those shots.""He was a lot better than I expected, especially with wrestling. But I was able to implement my own game and get the finish," Yuya Wakamatsu shared via translator. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostYuya Wakamatsu wraps up first world title defense in styleAfter absorbing those stunning hooks in Round 1, 'Little Piranha' locked in a guillotine choke when Pacio pressed forward, an attempt the Filipino veteran survived.Yuya Wakamatsu then took his challenger's back and unleashed punches and grounded knees, but the Lions Nation MMA representative showed resilience and defended well enough to make it out of the opening frame.That survival would be short-lived. Early in Round 2, Wakamatsu connected with a hard punch, drawing a high kick response from Pacio. Moments later, a brutal right hook sent the Filipino crashing to the canvas.When Pacio desperately shot for a takedown, the Japanese champion was ready with a barrage of devastating knees to the head that forced the referee to stop the contest at just 54 seconds of the second round.It gave the Tribe Tokyo MMA martial artist his fifth triumph in succession in the world's largest martial arts organization. To make matters sweeter, the Japanese slugger left the Circle with his second straight US$50,000 performance bonus.Wakamatsu has looked unstoppable in recent outings, and his statement display on home soil proves that no one can hold a candle to his all-around brilliance in the loaded flyweight MMA division.Fight fans who missed the pay-per-view card live can follow this link to purchase the PPV ticket replay for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.