Yuya Wakamatsu has high praise for challenger Joshua Pacio: “His accomplishments speak for themselves”

Yuya Wakamatsu (Image by ONE Championship)
Yuya Wakamatsu (Image by ONE Championship)

Newly crowned ONE flyweight MMA world champion ‘Little Piranha’ Yuya Wakamatsu of Japan has nothing but high praise for upcoming opponent, ONE strawweight MMA world champion ‘The Passion’ Joshua Pacio of the Philippines, ahead of their showdown at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

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The 30-year-old Tokyo native will be making the first defense of his gold after taking the vacant belt in a first-round TKO victory over Brazilian icon Adriano ‘Mikinho’ Moraes at ONE 172 this past March.

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Meanwhile, Pacio is considered by many to be the greatest strawweight in the history of the world’s largest martial arts organization.

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Wakamatsu told ONE Championship:

“When I made my debut about six or seven years ago, Joshua Pacio was already fighting on the same card. In the main event that night, he faced Yoshitaka Naito and became the champion.”
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He added:

“Since then, he has held the title for a long time. Of course, he’s had some losses along the way, but his accomplishments speak for themselves. Also, he has a longer career than I do, and he has defended the belt many times.”

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri are available via ePlus in Japan. Meanwhile, fans in North America can visit onefc.com for more information on various streaming options.

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Yuya Wakamatsu hopes for fan-friendly banger with Joshua Pacio at ONE 173

‘Little Piranha’ Yuya Wakamatsu is looking forward to an explosive scrap with strawweight MMA king ‘The Passion’ Joshua Pacio when he meets the Filipino at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16.

Wakamatsu says he would welcome a five-round war with the Lions Nation MMA star.

‘Little Piranha’ said on his YouTube channel:

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“In my opinion, I’d like to have a real, fierce, and action-packed fight that will last into the fifth round. Yes, that’s what I hope for.”

Check back with Sportskeeda MMA for more updates on Yuya Wakamatsu.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
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