Yuya Wakamatsu had a shot ONE Championship glory in 2022 towards Adriano Moraes. Three years later, he’s prepared for an additional shot. At ONE 172 on Sunday, March 23, he faces his Brazilian foe for the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship.
Yuya Wakamatsu Comes Into ONE 172 at No. 2 at Flyweight, Hungry for Belt
The Japanese expertise has reeled off three straight victories on the worldwide stage to safe his #2 rating within the division. It has positioned him for the shot on the crown and he is able to present how a lot he has grown as an athlete. The title would deliver him validation of all of his exhausting work.
“The World Champion in my definition is, partially, it’s merely the strongest on this planet. But in addition this consists of all the hassle and sacrifice.” Yuya Wakamatsu instructed ONE.
ONE WEEK AWAY
Simply seven days left till Takeru and Rodtang’s huge kickboxing super-fight, 5 epic World Title bouts, and MORE on March 23 at ONE 172 in Japan! Get your early-bird PPV now and lock in for the largest occasion of the 12 months!
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Yuya Wakamatsu Is aware of Title Shot Means Extra Getting Hand Raised in Victory
For Yuya Wakamatsu, it’s extra than simply 26 kilos of gold. The which means of being a World Champion extends past the ring. “Little Piranha” believes he has carried out all the things in his energy to earn that title and now a lot step contained in the ring in Saitama Tremendous Area to take it.
“It’s a unprecedented factor to sacrifice all the things, to place all the things towards MMA. From on a regular basis coaching to private life, all the things will likely be a part of the follow. So, the champion is such a tremendous individual, not only a sturdy man. An athlete who, as a human, has overcome all troublesome occasions – solely such a fighter is entitled to be a World Champion,” the Japanese expertise remarked.
The star-studded lineup at ONE 172 is headlined by a flyweight kickboxing super-fight between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa. Along with the flyweight MMA title tilt, 4 extra World Championship matchups happen. The massiveness of this occasion for Japanese martial arts is a degree of delight for Yuya Wakamatsu.
“For me, to grow to be a champion on March 23 is to point out Japanese delight. And by changing into a champion myself, I can show that Japanese fighters with Bushido delight are the strongest. Additionally, I might be capable of present the viewers that individuals can change and enhance. I contemplate this an excellent alternative to show this stuff to the world,” Wakamatsu mentioned
Yuya Wakamatsu Desperate to Make House Nation Proud on Grand Stage
Elevating Japanese martial arts again to a outstanding place is one thing the 30-year-old hopes to play a component in on March 23. ONE 172 has a Japan vs. The World theme surrounding it. “Little Piranha” plans to play his half to characterize his nation in one in every of its most storied venues.
“What’s particular about Japanese fighters in comparison with international fighters is what is known as Bushido – the spirit of the samurai we share from historic occasions. Japanese folks have been traditionally mentally sturdy sufficient to do seppuku (ritual suicide). This spirit is in our DNA to at the present time,” the title hopeful commented.
Yuya Wakamatsu Cordial to Adriano Moraes Regardless of Excessive Stakes
Whereas Moraes is a rival that he hopes to topple in an emphatic trend, it’s a pleasant rivalry between opponents. There is no such thing as a sick will from the Japanese star, who tries to embody the martial arts spirit. Wakamatsu hopes to show all of that whereas finishing his dream on an enormous platform on world pay-per-view.
“Bushido is respect for others. It’s the spirit of the respect for the self-discipline. In my opinion, it’s additionally to offer full effort, to win, and do all the things regardless of scars and injury, in addition to to combat for your loved ones. So, it’s like respect and self-discipline,” Yuya Wakamatsu mentioned.
ONE 172 airs reside on Sunday, March 23, at 3 a.m. ET/midnight PT. The motion hails from the Saitama Tremendous Area in Japan. The occasion is on the market to buy on world pay-per-view by way of watch.onefc.com.
