ONE championship fighter Yuya Wakamatsu. ONE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Yuya Wakamatsu has never had it easy since his debut in ONE Championship in September of 2018.
“Little Piranha” lost his first fight in the promotion against Team Lakay’s Danny Kingad and followed it up with another defeat this time at the hands of Demetrious Johnson in March of 2019.
And his next fight won’t be any lighter as he takes on former ONE World flyweight champion Geje Eustaquio of Team Lakay in ONE: Dawn of Heroes on August 2 at Mall of Asia Arena.
Wakamatsu, however, believes he’s garnered enough experience to get his first win against the former world champion.
“He’s a veteran, so I don’t think he’ll fight very differently from what I’ve seen,” said Wakamatsu (10-4). He’ll look to time his takedowns off my attacks and look for counter punches.”
“I’m now used to ONE, so I think if I fight hard for the full three rounds there’ll be no problem. I’ve fought DJ and stronger opponents than him, so I’m not really bothered about his experience.”
Although he lost to Johnson, Wakamatsu was able hang on for the first round but he was eventually locked in a Guillotine Choke and submitted 2:40 into the second period.
It may be just one round, but Wakamatsu is confident in the experience that he got from going toe-to-toe with the former UFC World flyweight champion.
“Right after the Johnson bout, I realized I that I can compete at a world-class level, but I know it’s not an easy world,” said Wakamatsu. “I noticed that what I’ve been doing has raised me to a high level all around. My condition, mental strength, and skills have given me confidence.”
“I had no idea if I could compete at a world-class level before, but that bout gave me the confidence to realize I could.”