Is Japanese star Yuya Wakamatsu the most dominant MMA star in One Championship right now?

Japanese star Yuya Wakamatsu enjoyed a dream year on the global stage of ONE Championship. His performances in 2025 stood out above everyone else. Because of this, the promotion officially named him the 2025 MMA Fighter of the Year. The 30-year-old flyweight entered the year focused on one goal only. He wanted to win the ONE flyweight MMA world title and prove himself as the best in the division.

Wakamatsu went on an impressive run with three straight wins to earn a title shot. By the end of the year, he had not only won the world title but also defended it. His journey made him one of the biggest names in ONE Championship.

How Yuya Wakamatsu earned fighter of the year honors

Yuya Wakamatsu began his title push with a first-round TKO win over Xie Wei. He then followed it up with two clear decision victories against Danny Kingad and Gilbert Nakatani. These wins earned him a chance to fight for the vacant ONE flyweight MMA world title at ONE 172. The bout took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on March 23, 2025.

His opponent was former long-reigning champion Adriano Moraes. Moraes had defeated Wakamatsu by submission nearly three years earlier. Because of that history, many expected the Brazilian veteran to win again. Instead, Wakamatsu shocked everyone. He stopped Moraes at the 3:39 mark of the fight and captured the world title. He also earned a US$50,000 performance bonus for his effort.

Later in the year, Wakamatsu returned to defend his belt at ONE 173 in Tokyo. He faced Joshua Pacio, the reigning strawweight champion, who was aiming to become a two-division titleholder. The first round was difficult for Wakamatsu, as Pacio came close to finishing him. Still, the champion stayed calm and focused.

In the second round, Wakamatsu turned the fight around. He scored a TKO just 54 seconds into the round to secure his first title defense. This victory earned him another US$50,000 bonus and marked the 14th stoppage win of his career.

After the fight, Wakamatsu reflected on how close the contest was. He said the fight could have ended very differently. He explained that staying at the top is something he does for his family. He also shared his desire to help keep ONE Championship as the leading martial arts organization in the world. Wakamatsu ended the year on a five-fight winning streak and now holds a professional record of 20 wins and six losses.

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