Yuya Wakamatsu was able to remind the flyweight MMA division that he is still one of the top contenders in his weight class at ONE Fight Night 26.
The 29-year-old Japanese contender has competed at the top of the weight class for many years at this stage.
Heading into Dec. 6 on the back of consecutive wins, he looked to extend his winning streak to three at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Wakamatsu put in a dominant display against the debuting Gilbert Nakatani but despite hurting his opponent several times, he was unable to put him away.
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Nakatani's toughness kept him in the fight and even when he was minutes away from losing the fight, the new arrival continued trying to push the pace on 'Little Piranha'.
In an interview with ONE Championship after the fight, Yuya Wakamatsu reflected on the victory and rated his performance.
Though he was pleased to have come away with the win, he wasn't overly satisfied with his performance on the night:
"To say, as a martial artist, I didn't do a very good job, but the fact that I won, that's good. The result is good."
Timing was crucial for Yuya Wakamatsu
The timing of Yuya Wakamatsu was on full display in this fight as he picked the right shot at the right time to consistently damage his opponent.
This victory also came at the ideal time considering the current layout of the flyweight division.
Adriano Moraes and Reece McLaren have also secured big victories as of late as the top contenders all chase the vacant flyweight world championship.
After going to a decision with Nakatani, the question is whether Wakamatsu has done enough to put himself in position for a world title fight.
Despite his own harsh evaluation, he looked to be in great form at the final Fight Night event of the year.