ONE Championship saw a myriad of the world\u2019s best MMA fighters in 2025 test their skills on the global stage. Some delivered explosive performances, while others authored highlight-reel finishes that captivated the global fan base.<\/p>\n
But one fighter stood a cut above the rest \u2014\u00a0Japanese superstar Yuya \u201cLittle Piranha\u201d Wakamatsu<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Tokyo native captured the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Title in March, then successfully defended his crown against ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua \u201cThe Passion\u201d Pacio<\/a> at home in November to solidify his status as the promotion\u2019s Fighter of the Year.<\/p>\n Wakamatsu battled for the World Title against former longtime champion Adriano \u201cMikinho\u201d Moraes<\/a> at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang<\/a>, entering the contest behind a three-fight winning streak while carrying the hopes of his home nation.<\/p>\n Following Demetrious \u201cMighty Mouse\u201d Johnson<\/a>\u2018s retirement earlier in the year, the flyweight gold lay vacant and ready for the taking.<\/p>\n Most fans and pundits expected Moraes to reclaim his throne and reassert his dominance over the division.<\/p>\n But Wakamatsu had a different plan. <\/p>\n In front of his passionate hometown crowd in Tokyo, Wakamatsu stunned Moraes with a devastating left hook and uppercut combination before unleashing brutal ground-and-pound that forced a TKO stoppage<\/a> in under four minutes.<\/p>\n The victory accomplished multiple goals simultaneously: Wakamatsu claimed the coveted 26-pound belt, earned a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong<\/a>, and avenged his 2022 submission loss to Moraes at ONE X<\/a>.<\/p>\n For his first World Title defense, Wakamatsu faced an even greater challenge with Filipino superstar Pacio moving up from strawweight to seek two-division glory.<\/p>\n The Filipino veteran started aggressively, landing early strikes that tested Wakamatsu\u2019s resolve. The Japanese titleholder responded by attempting a guillotine choke in the opening round, showcasing his grappling threat.<\/p>\n