“Experience the world’s best” - Yuya Wakamatsu says losses to Demetrious Johnson, Adriano Moraes forced him to evolve

Yuya Wakamatsu may have failed to get his hand raised against former flyweight MMA world champions, Demetrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes. Still, the no.2 ranked contender credits those setbacks for teaching him what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.

'Little Piranha' had the pleasure of welcoming the legendary Johnson to the promotion during the Flyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal at ONE: A New Era back in 2019.

Unfortunately, the Japanese star quickly learned there are indeed levels to this game after he succumbed to a nasty high-elbow guillotine in round 2. Yuya Wakamatsu bounced back by winning his next five outings in the world's largest martial arts organization, earning him a title shot against then-champion Moraes at ONE X in 2022.

However, 'Mikinho' snapped his winning streak after cinching an air-tight arm-in guillotine.

Speaking to the media during the ONE 172 introductory press conference in Tokyo, Wakamatsu says there is no shame in falling short against two of the best 135-pound fighters on the planet.

He said:

"When I heard that DJ was going to move from UFC to ONE, I was convinced that the ONE flyweight division was the best in the world. So I fought both DJ and Adriano. I want to fully experience the world’s best and grow from there."

Yuya Wakamatsu can exact revenge at ONE 172

While any hopes of running back with Demetrious Johnson is no longer a possibility after his retirement, Yuya Wakamatsu can still right the wrong against his other tormentor.

The Tribe Tokyo MMA affiliate, who is on a three-fight winning streak, will now vie for the vacant flyweight MMA throne in the co-main event of ONE 172: Takeru vs Rodtang on March 23, 2025.

But to capture 26 pounds of gold in front of his fellow Japanese people at the Saitama Super Arena, 'Little Piranha' must go through the former flyweight kingpin Adriano Moraes.

Follow this link for exclusive first-access tickets to ONE 172: Takeru vs Rodtang.