‘Defending My Home Turf’ – Yuya Wakamatsu Aims To Make World Title Case With Victory Over ONE Newcomer Gilbert Nakatani
Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu is gearing up for a pivotal fight on December 6, where he hopes to secure a shot at the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title during ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov, airing in U.S. primetime. The seasoned Japanese fighter is in the final stages of preparation for his matchup against Gilbert Nakatani, who is entering the promotional landscape as a formidable newcomer, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Wakamatsu, a long-standing leader in the flyweight division, is heading into this bout on the heels of a two-fight winning streak that has placed him at #2 in the rankings, putting him just one step away from another title shot. With the recent retirement of former champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, the flyweight championship title is currently vacant.
Aware of the implications of this matchup, “Little Piranha” understands that a loss to the promising American would mean starting over in his quest for the gold. However, he shared with onefc.com that he doesn’t perceive this as added pressure; instead, he sees it as a chance to showcase the edge his six years of experience in the world’s largest martial arts organization give him.
“It could be risky, depending on how you look at it. But I feel I have an advantage because of the experience I’ve gained competing in ONE. It’s like defending my home turf – I have a strong determination not to lose.”
Wakamatsu has taken the time to study Nakatani and acknowledges the threat he poses in all aspects of their upcoming contest. Nonetheless, he approaches the fight with caution and respect for his opponent, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus:
“This applies to every opponent, but it’s important to never let your guard down. He’ll be looking for a finish in every aspect, and so will I. The key is to find balance and not get reckless. He has a strong right hand and plenty of power, so I need to make sure I don’t lose in those areas.”
Being one of the division’s most accomplished and well-rounded athletes, Wakamatsu has a comprehensive strategy for achieving victory. He is prepared for any potential outcome—submissions, knockouts, or hard-fought decisions—and vows to deliver an entertaining performance for the fans:
“I have several scenarios in mind. I could go for a submission or a knockout with my punches. Whether it’s by decision or finish, I’m prepared for anything. If there’s a chance, I’ll aim for the finish – I don’t want to leave it up to the judges. Winning an uninteresting decision doesn’t mean much to me. From the first second to the last, I’ll be looking for a finish, as always. I also want to show how much I’ve evolved, especially over my last two fights.”
While his immediate focus is on defeating Gilbert Nakatani, Wakamatsu also has his sights set on a potential World Title shot. He recognizes that any standout performance could allow numerous contenders a shot at the championship.
“I definitely want the ONE Championship belt. I don’t care who the opponent is – I just want a title fight and to wear that belt. If I win this fight, I’ll ask for a title shot. Whether it’s a rematch with [Adriano] Moraes or someone else, I’ll take on whoever ONE puts in front of me.”
Wakamatsu’s earlier encounter with Moraes ended in disappointment for him back in 2022, with Moraes recently solidifying his contender status by defeating Danny Kingad. As he looks ahead, Wakamatsu believes a rematch would yield a very different outcome due to his growth as a fighter since their last meeting.
“The fact that Moraes managed to win [over Kingad] was truly impressive. That said, I’m confident I can surpass that and finish him myself. Looking back, I’m a completely different fighter now compared to two years ago. I believe I can knock Moraes out.”
With plenty at stake in the coming bout, Yuya Wakamatsu is determined to make a statement and reclaim his position among the elite of the flyweight division.
