“I don’t want to leave it up to the judges” - Yuya Wakamatsu eyeing dominant win to solidify his case for a title shot

Yuya Wakamatsu believes he's one big win away from a flyweight MMA title shot.

This Friday night, December 6, 'Little Piranha' will look to make it three in a row when he meets 31-year-old newcomer Gilbert Nakatani at ONE Fight Night 26 on Prime Video.

Returning to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Wakamatsu is riding back-to-back wins, including a first-round knockout against Xie Wei and a unanimous decision W against Danny Kingad at ONE 165 in Tokyo.

Speaking with ONE Championship ahead of his clash with the Aragon Training Academy standout, Wakamatsu believes a title opportunity will be within reach should he see his hand raised at ONE Fight Night 26 — especially if he adds another highlight-reel finish to his resume.

“I have several scenarios in mind," Wakamatsu said. "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."

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Newcomer Gilbert Nakatani ready to squash Yuya Wakamatsu's title aspirations at ONE Fight Night 26

Yuya Wakamatsu currently sits as the second-ranked contender in the flyweight division, putting him in a prime position to vie for the division's vacant crown.

Hoping to spoil the Japanese star's plans is Nakatani, a well-rounded fighter out of West Covina, California with a solid 8-1 record in his mixed martial arts career. Nakatani has primarily competed out of the regional promotion Lights Out Xtreme Fighting where he landed four straight finishes, none coming later than the second round.

He's also competed for Urijah Faber's A1 Combat and the LFA and has amassed an impressive 75% finish rate.

Now the question is, can Nakatani replicate that same success on the global stage against one of the flyweight division's toughest contenders?

Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE Fight Night 26 live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, December 6 in U.S. primetime.