"I can knock Moraes out" - Yuya Wakamatsu confident he can put Adriano Moraes to sleep in possible rematch

Flyweight veteran Yuya Wakamatsu wants to make a statement on his return to action at ONE Fight Night 26.

The Japanese contender has been a staple of the division for some time now, but there's a huge opportunity for him to make a breakthrough on December 6.

At the final Fight Night event of the year, he will welcome Gilbert Nakatani to the roster at Lumpinee Stadium.

If Wakamatsu is able to defend his place in the division whilst bringing his current winning streak to three, he could be set for a huge fight next time out.

The flyweight world championship is currently vacant following Demetrious Johnson's retirement at ONE 168.

Since then, former champ Adriano Moraes has emerged as the frontrunner in the division following his submission win over Danny Kingad at ONE 169.

Having crossed paths with Moraes once in the past, when he was also submitted by the Brazilian at ONE: X, Wakamatsu is keen to run this one back if he gets the opportunity.

In a recent interview with ONE Championship, he said that he's confident that the outcome would be different if he crossed paths with 'Mikinho' for a second time:

"Looking back, I'm a completely different fighter now compared to two years ago. I believe I can knock Moraes out."

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Yuya Wakamatsu can enter the title picture at flyweight with a win

Gilbert Nakatani may be a newcomer to ONE Championship, but this is still a pivotal match-up for Yuya Wakamatsu.

Wins over Xie Wei and Danny Kingad have already put him back in the title picture, but a third consecutive victory makes him undeniable.

Another crucial flyweight clash is set for this card at Lumpinee Stadium, with Reece McLaren taking on the interim strawweight champion, Jarred Brooks.

A potential opponent for Moraes to face in a vacant title bout could emerge on December 6.