Joshua Pacio Views Flyweight Title Challenge as a Defining Moment in His Career

Joshua Pacio sees his upcoming flyweight title challenge as more than just another fight—it represents a defining moment that could reshape his entire legacy. The reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion is set to face Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri. The event will take place inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.

In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the 29-year-old Lions Nation MMA representative shared his thoughts on what this historic opportunity means for his career, as well as his assessment of the defending world champion.

“Yeah, man. It’s not just a new challenge, but it’s like a new chapter of my career. [It’s] a very big challenge, I think. But I believe Yuya Wakamatsu is a champion for a reason, and he’s very strong, very fast. His timing is accurate, very good. But you know, I’m a champion too, and there’s a reason why I’m here. And yeah, they gave me the opportunity—I will prove them,” Pacio told SCMP.

For “The Passion,” who has competed in multiple world championship battles throughout his ONE Championship tenure since 2016, his experience in high-stakes moments could prove invaluable against Wakamatsu, who will be making his first world title defense.

Could Pacio write a new chapter in his storied career by becoming a two-division MMA world champion? Or will Wakamatsu’s home advantage prove to be too much?

Watch Joshua Pacio’s full interview on SCMP below: [Insert Video Link]

Yuya Wakamatsu Expects Tough Fight Against Joshua Pacio

Ahead of this all-champion clash at ONE 173, defending ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya Wakamatsu also shared his insights on how he expects the fight to unfold in Tokyo.

Though confident about walking out of the venue with the gold wrapped around his waist, “Little Piranha” acknowledges that it will not be an easy contest.

“Whether either of us will be defeated or not will be hard to tell. I’m not easy to beat, and I don’t think he’s an opponent that will be easy to beat,” Wakamatsu said in a vlog post on his YouTube channel.

What to Expect at ONE 173

Wakamatsu vs. Pacio will be one of five world title bouts featured at ONE’s blockbuster event in Tokyo, Japan, this Sunday.

Fight fans can purchase their PPV passes for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri by visiting live.onefc.com.

Stay tuned for an exciting night of world-class MMA action!
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