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Yuya Wakamatsu eyes knockout win in a potential rematch against Adriano Moraes.
Three months ago, MMA legend Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement from the sport, vacating his ONE flyweight world title in the process.
Since then, flyweight MMA contenders have been focused on showcasing why they should fight for the vacant throne. Former world champion Adriano Moraes likely punched his ticket with a second-round submission against Danny Kingad.
Moraes' opponent is unclear due to two contenders, Wakamatsu and Reece McLaren, having a strong argument. Wakamatsu extended his winning streak to three with a unanimous decision against Gilbert Nakatani at ONE Fight Night 26.
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Wakamatsu already has a history with Moraes. In March 2022, Moraes won their first meeting by third-round submission.
During his ONE Fight Night 26 post-fight press conference, Wakamatsu had this to say about a potential rematch with Moraes:
"I will believe in myself. Keep pressing forward and go to knock him [out]."
Yuya Wakamatsu's latest ONE appearance extended his promotional record to 8-4. The number two-ranked flyweight hasn't lost in two years, as he's coming off wins against Xie Wei, Danny Kingad, and Gilbert Nakatani.
ONE Fight Night 26 went down inside the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on December 6. The latest event showcased by ONE Championship can be seen for free by North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription.
Should Yuya Wakamatsu or Reece McLaren face Adriano Moraes for ONE gold?
Yuya Wakamatsu's win against promotional newcomer Gilbert Nakatani was a significant step toward a flyweight MMA world title shot. Meanwhile, Reece McLaren might have sealed the vacant opportunity against Adriano Moraes.
At ONE Fight Night 26, McLaren welcomed interim strawweight MMA world champion Jarred Brooks to the flyweight division. McLaren shut down Brooks' grappling-heavy style and won by split decision.
Wakamatsu is the number two-ranked contender and secured another win, which typically leads to a title shot. On the contrary, McLaren would be a new matchup for Moraes because they haven't fought.
McLaren and Wakamatsu have proven they can produce entertaining fights. Therefore, the difference between the flyweight contenders could come down to ONE wanting to find the answer to a matchup the fans haven't seen.
