Japanese MMA star Yuya Wakamatsu successfully defended his ONE flyweight MMA world title with a second-round TKO of Joshua Pacio, but the 30-year-old wasn't celebrating dominance; he was grateful to have survived a genuine test.He dished out another stellar display in the co-main event of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena, to overcome the Filipino slugger and ruin his dream of two-division glory on the global stage.During his post-fight in-Circle interview with commentator Mitch Chilson, Yuya Wakamatsu acknowledged just how dangerous Pacio proved throughout their champion-versus-champion clash and expressed gratitude for emerging on the winning side of a fight that could have gone either way."You know, there could have been a different world where I lost, but I've been able to stay at the top here and fight. I do this for my family, my intent is to keep ONE as the number one organization in the world, and thank you very much," Wakamatsu shared via translator.After acknowledging how close he came to losing, Yuya Wakamatsu shifted his focus to gratitude for his team, for the US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, and for the support system that carried him through a difficult fight."I'm very happy, I'm very grateful for that bonus. Thank you, Coach Chonan and the rest of the team. Thank you, everybody," the Japanese fighter shared. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThe road ahead for Yuya WakamatsuFor a fighter who previously admitted he "felt like I survived" after winning the vacant crown against Adriano Moraes at ONE 172 in March, successfully defending the crown against a dangerous challenger like Pacio provided validation that his championship reign is legitimate, not lucky.Yuya Wakamatsu barely put a foot wrong in his world title battle, showing why he more than deserves to sit atop the stacked flyweight division.Of course, there are plenty of fighters who'd love to square off against 'Little Piranha' next. Second-ranked Adriano Moraes would love to share a trilogy with the Japanese fighter.No.3-ranked Danny Kingad would probably have to rack up another winning streak if he wants to vie for 26 pounds of gold. Fourth-rated undefeated star Sanzhar Zakirov, who's won all seven of his assignments under the ONE banner to take his career to 16-0, is another logical option.Meanwhile, Dagestani grappler Mansur Malachiev, who moved up from strawweight and debuted at flyweight with a second-round submission win against Jarred Brooks, is already calling for his shot.Missed the action from ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri? The full event replay can be purchased here.