For Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu, his ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship represents the full weight of his nation’s martial arts legacy.
The 31-year-old defends his belt against Uzbek challenger Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev in one of four World Title bouts at ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Wednesday, April 29.
Wakamatsu enters in the best form of his career, riding five straight wins, each a testament to his growth as a complete martial artist.
Advertisement
Most recently, he stopped reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio via second-round TKO at ONE 173 last November to retain his crown in Japan.
Now, the Kagoshima native looks to deliver another finish in front of a roaring home crowd. Awaiting him is a challenger with an 89 percent finishing rate. Wakamatsu knows the danger and would not have it any other way.
The Tribe Tokyo MMA standout told onefc.com:
“My impression of him is that he can do everything. He has submissions and his striking is dangerous too. Overall, he’s a complete fighter. And on top of that, he’s young. He really represents the new generation of MMA.
“He’s extremely strong, the strongest opponent I’ve ever faced. But at the same time, to me, there is no opponent — only myself to overcome. He’s the ideal opponent for me.”
Wakamatsu’s respect for his challenger is deep and earned. Kholmirzaev first made his name on the ONE Friday Fights circuit, winning a six-figure contract before tearing through the main roster.
Advertisement
The 25-year-old submitted Willie “White Lion” van Rooyen in the first round and stopped Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado via second-round TKO after absorbing early pressure. What strikes Wakamatsu most about “Ninzya” is his relentless killer instinct — a trait he knows all too well.
He said:
“From the first round, he always goes for the finish. Even when he’s tired, he never gives up on finishing. That mentality is what makes him so strong.
“While many fighters usually can’t go for the finish in the first round and fight for the decision, he puts everything into finishing early. That’s exactly why he leaves a strong impression.”
That admiration only sharpens his resolve. Wakamatsu has faced killers before and is not about to start flinching now. He is confident he is the best flyweight MMA fighter on the planet and has proven it on this stage before.
He said:
“He does get hit by right hands sometimes. And also, he’s never fought someone stronger than himself — like me. You’ll see that in this fight. When he faces me, things that worked before won’t work anymore.
“I have a lot of images in my head for all the different scenarios I’ve thought through. But if I had to say, [I’d beat him via] ground TKO. A pound-out finish.”
Wakamatsu Embraces Role As Face Of Japanese MMA
A fixtu145-poundre in ONE since 2018, Wakamatsu has graced some of the promotion’s grandest stages.
Advertisement
The allure of competing at home never fades. His most defining moments have unfolded in front of Japanese fans, and the energy of a home crowd brings out the best in him.
He said:
“Fighting in Japan is a great honor. I used to fight overseas, but now that I can fight in Japan, the country where I grew up. My fans can watch, and my family can be there too. That makes it very special.
“Being able to fight for a title at ONE SAMURAI 1 makes me incredibly happy. I believe in Bushido, and I live by the spirit of the samurai. This event lets me express the way I’ve lived my life.”
For Wakamatsu, this bout transcends personal ambition. ONE SAMURAI 1 is a celebration of everything Japan has contributed to the world of combat sports — a lineage built on discipline, sacrifice, and an unbreakable spirit.
He is proud to stand at the center of it.
He said:
“What ONE SAMURAI 1 brings to Japan is the values martial arts teach — honesty, courage, determination, and respect for others. These are the things ONE values most. Martial arts isn’t just about violence. I believe ONE is the only organization that truly represents that.
“The impact ONE SAMURAI 1 will have on Japan is bringing back the Bushido spirit that people have forgotten. I want to be the one who embodies that spirit and leads the way.”
