Get ready to witness the raw power and precision of MMA, because ONE 173 just delivered two of the most jaw-dropping title defenses in recent memory. On November 16, Tokyo’s Ariake Arena became the epicenter of adrenaline-fueled action as Yuya Wakamatsu and Christian Lee not only retained their MMA World Titles but did so with spectacular TKO victories that left fans on the edge of their seats. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: both champions faced unique challenges that tested their mettle, making their wins all the more remarkable. Let’s dive into the heart-pounding details of these fights and explore the moments that could spark heated debates among MMA enthusiasts.
Yuya Wakamatsu: The Little Piranha’s Home Turf Dominance
In the co-main event, ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya Wakamatsu, affectionately known as the Little Piranha, defended his title on home soil against the reigning strawweight king, Joshua Pacio. Wakamatsu’s journey to this point is nothing short of historic—earlier this year at ONE 172, he dethroned longtime flyweight ruler Adriano Moraes to claim the vacant belt. But this defense against Pacio was a different beast altogether.
The fight began with Pacio stunning Wakamatsu early with two sharp hooks, momentarily halting the Japanese star’s trademark aggression. However, Wakamatsu quickly rebounded, showcasing his versatility by locking in a guillotine choke. Though Pacio survived, Wakamatsu’s relentless pressure never wavered. In the second round, Wakamatsu landed a clean one-two combination that sent Pacio crashing to the canvas. Seizing the moment, Wakamatsu unleashed a barrage of knees to the head, forcing the referee to stop the fight at just 54 seconds into the round.
But here’s the controversial part: Was Pacio given enough time to recover, or did the referee act too swiftly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
With this win, Wakamatsu improved his record to 20-6 and secured a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. His ability to adapt and dominate under pressure solidifies his status as one of the flyweight division’s most fearsome competitors.
Christian Lee: The Warrior’s Unstoppable Reign
Earlier in the night, two-division ONE World Champion Christian Lee faced undefeated challenger Alibeg Rasulov in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first encounter in December 2024 ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke, leaving fans hungry for a definitive outcome. This time, Lee left no room for controversy.
Rasulov came out aggressive, shooting for takedowns and keeping the fight grounded in the early minutes. However, Lee, who also holds the ONE Welterweight MMA World Championship, showcased his superior grappling skills by scrambling free and returning to his feet. In the second round, Lee followed his corner’s advice, utilizing low kicks to neutralize Rasulov’s forward pressure. When Rasulov attempted another takedown, Lee countered brilliantly, trapping him in a D’Arce choke and delivering ground-and-pound knees that forced the referee to stop the fight at 2:32.
And this is the part most people miss: Lee’s ability to seamlessly transition from striking to grappling highlights his evolution as a complete fighter. Is he now the most dominant athlete in ONE Championship? Share your opinions below.
With this victory, Lee improved his record to 18-4 with 17 finishes, further cementing his legacy as the winningest athlete in the world’s largest martial arts organization. Like Wakamatsu, he also earned a $50,000 performance bonus, making his night even sweeter.
Final Thoughts: A Night of Unmatched Excellence
ONE 173 was more than just a series of fights—it was a testament to the resilience, skill, and sheer determination of its champions. Wakamatsu and Lee not only retained their titles but did so in a manner that left no doubt about their dominance. Yet, as with any great sporting event, questions linger. Did the referees make the right calls? Are Lee and Wakamatsu truly unstoppable, or is there a challenger out there who can dethrone them? We want to hear from you. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the debate alive!
