Japanese mixed martial arts star Yuya Wakamatsu has been officially honoured as the 2025 MMA Fighter of the Year by ONE Championship, capping off a phenomenal twelve months that saw him capture and defend the coveted flyweight world title.
A Dream Year Culminates in Top Honour
The 30-year-old flyweight entered 2025 with a singular, burning ambition: to claim the ONE flyweight MMA world championship and cement his status as the division's best. He achieved that goal and more, embarking on an unstoppable run that made him one of the promotion's most prominent global names. His performances throughout the year were deemed so exceptional that the organisation named him its top MMA fighter for 2025.
The Path to Gold and Redemption
Wakamatsu's title campaign began with a blistering first-round TKO victory over Xie Wei. He then secured two decisive decision wins against formidable opponents Danny Kingad and Gilbert Nakatani. This impressive three-fight streak earned him a shot at the vacant ONE flyweight MMA world title.
The championship bout headlined ONE 172 at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on March 23, 2025. Standing across the Circle was a familiar and daunting challenge: former long-reigning champion Adriano Moraes. Moraes had previously submitted Wakamatsu almost three years prior, leading many to favour the Brazilian veteran. In a stunning turn of events, Wakamatsu silenced the doubters, stopping Moraes at the 3:39 mark to seize the world title and a US$50,000 performance bonus.
Solidifying the Throne with a Gritty Defense
Later in the year, the new champion returned to defend his belt at ONE 173 in Tokyo. His challenger was Joshua Pacio, the reigning strawweight king who aimed to become a two-division champion. The fight's opening round proved treacherous for Wakamatsu, with Pacio coming agonisingly close to a finish.
Displaying the heart of a champion, Wakamatsu remained composed. He dramatically turned the tide in the second round, scoring a TKO victory just 54 seconds in to secure his first successful title defence. This triumph earned him another US$50,000 bonus and marked the 14th stoppage win of his professional career.
Reflecting on the tough battle, Wakamatsu acknowledged how close the contest was and stated that his drive to remain at the pinnacle is fuelled by his family. He also expressed his desire to help maintain ONE Championship's position as the world's leading martial arts organisation. The champion ends the year on a five-fight winning streak, boasting a professional record of 20 wins and six losses.
