ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio will challenge flyweight titleholder Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The Filipino seeks to become his country’s first two-division MMA world champion by defeating Wakamatsu in the Japanese fighter’s first title defense.
Pacio enters as arguably the greatest strawweight in ONE Championship history. His February victory over Jarred Brooks at ONE 171 unified the 125-pound title in their trilogy match, cementing his status as the division’s most accomplished athlete. The 29-year-old has competed in five-round contests since 2018, developing energy management and late-round durability.
That experience creates what Pacio views as his primary advantage against Wakamatsu. The Japanese fighter has never competed in championship rounds, having captured his title with a first-round technical knockout of Adriano Moraes at ONE 172 in March.
“I’ve been fighting five-round fights since 2018. Wakamatsu has yet to compete in championship rounds. That’s my biggest advantage if this fight reaches the championship rounds. I wouldn’t say that he would fade, but I believe my experience allows me to sustain my energy levels in long fights,” Pacio said.
Pacio has studied Wakamatsu’s development throughout his ONE Championship career. The Filipino recognizes similarities in their paths to divisional dominance, particularly how both athletes responded to early losses by improving their complete skill sets.
“I witnessed Yuya’s development as an athlete, from when he first started in ONE up to now. He’s a champion for a reason. He’s very well-rounded. I see myself in him. We have similar career trajectories,” Pacio said.
The tactical matchup favors Wakamatsu’s striking against Pacio’s grappling. After all, Wakamatsu carries knockout power that makes every striking exchange dangerous. But Pacio’s wushu background provides the foundation to compete on the feet while his grappling creates opportunities to control where the action happens.
Pacio plans to mix striking and takedowns rather than commit to a single approach. His success depends on timing his entries properly and avoiding extended striking exchanges where Wakamatsu’s power becomes most dangerous.
“The fight will always start on the feet. But if I get the opportunity to take him down, I’ll take it. We’re really planning to mix things up. I understand he’s a really strong striker. Timing will be key for this one,” Pacio said.
The venue adds another challenge for Pacio’s championship pursuit. The Japanese crowd will support Wakamatsu, recreating the atmosphere where he captured his title with a career-defining performance. But Pacio maintains his challenger mentality regardless of circumstance.
“I’ve been doing this for so long, I’m not fazed by that anymore. I don’t really feel at a disadvantage when fighting in my enemy’s hometown. I will just go out there and do what God has put me out to do. We’re going to Japan to win,” Pacio said.
