“Pacio too small for flyweight” - Fans react to shock Yuya Wakamatsu TKO of Joshua Pacio at ONE 173

Reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio was unable to fulfill his mission to become the Philippines' first-ever two-division MMA world champion.

'The Passion' fought admirably against reigning ONE flyweight MMA world champion Yuya Wakamatsu in the co-main event of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri last Sunday, Nov. 16, at Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

Pacio looked good in his debut at a higher weight class. He even tagged 'Little Piranha' in Round 1 and controlled the match in the beginning. However, the resilient flyweight champion managed to turn the tide and punish the Filipino with his powerful striking and reinforced grappling.

The end came in Round 2, when Wakamatsu detonated a brutal overhand right that sent Pacio crashing face-first to the canvas. The Tribe Tokyo MMA affiliate followed up with knees to the head of the challenger and successfully defended his throne via TKO.

Shortly after, ONE Championship shared a clip of the Japanese superstar getting his hand raised.

"The World Title stays in Japan 🇯🇵"

This was met by comments from Pacio's fans. One noted that 'The Passion' was at a disadvantage at flyweight.

"Pacio too small for flyweight," @_nicholeqqq wrote.

Others, however, still commended the Filipino world champion for attempting to be great at a higher weight class.

@aimeemoreno07 said:

"You're still the best! You fought a good fight."

@t5official_3497 added:

"It's okay, Joshua. Let's try again next time!"

@ecogorona wrote:

"😢 come back stronger❤️."

@stefano00alpha:

"Congrats @yw0209c4 👏 .. bounce back @joshuapacio ☝🏻👌🏻"

Meanwhile, other commenters lauded Wakamatsu's sportsmanship.

From @team_jackson1625:

"Huge congratulations, you are the best 👏👏👏"

@sy4mmeel_eim4m:

"So humble 🇯🇵."

@rh1za0k1:

"Cool attitude, Yuya Wakamatsu. Shake hands and put on the championship belt. I really respect 🔥"

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ONE 173 full results

Superbon defeats Masaaki Noiri via unanimous decision (Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship Unification)

Yuya Wakamatsu defeats Joshua Pacio via TKO (Flyweight MMA World Championship)

Nadaka defeats Numsurin Chor Ketwina via unanimous decision (Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship)

Christian Lee defeats Alibeg Rasulov via TKO (Lightweight MMA World Championship)

Takeru Segawa defeats Denis Puric via TKO (Flyweight Kickboxing)

Marat Grigorian defeats Rukiya Anpo via unanimous decision (Featherweight Kickboxing)

Yuki Yoza defeats Superlek via unanimous decision (Bantamweight Kickboxing)

Nabil Anane defeats Hiromi Wajima via unanimous decision (Featherweight Kickboxing)

Kana Morimoto defeats Stamp Fairtex via unanimous decision (Atomweight Kickboxing)

Tye Ruotolo defeats Shozo Isojima via submission (Lightweight MMA)

Rafael Lovato Jr. defeats Giancarlo Bodoni via unanimous decision (Middleweight Submission Grappling)

Suakim Sor Jor Tongprajin defeats Jake Peacock via TKO (Bantamweight Muay Thai)

Shamil Erdogan defeats Ryugo Takeuchi via TKO (Heavyweight MMA)

Hiroyuki Tetsuka defeats Shinya Aoki via TKO (Lightweight MMA)

Chihiro Sawada defeats Itsuki Hirata via unanimous decision (Atomweight MMA)

Hiroki Akimoto defeats Wei Rui via unanimous decision (Bantamweight Kickboxing)