Yuya Wakamatsu Eyes Alexandre Pantoja for Cross-Promotion Showdown, Hints at Undefeated Challenger for ONE 173

Reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya Wakamatsu is not content with just dominating within his own promotion. The Japanese knockout artist is now casting a wider net, calling for a blockbuster cross-promotional bout with UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja. Speaking at the ONE 173 press conference in Tokyo, Wakamatsu expressed his eagerness to not only defend his title in November at Ariake Arena, but to also prove that his belt is the most prestigious in the world of MMA.

While Wakamatsu has not yet been officially booked to compete at ONE 173, his presence at the event's media gathering strongly suggested that a title defense is imminent. But rather than waiting for a challenger to be named, the man known as “Little Piranha” made it clear that he’s ready to face anyone — and ideally, he wants to test himself against the best from outside the organization.

“Who would I like to fight against? Anyone,” Wakamatsu said.“The biggest enemy is myself. Anyone is fine. But maybe we could have Alexandre Pantoja against me? This is my duty – to prove to the world that the ONE Flyweight World Title is the best in the world. If anyone gets in my way, I will beat them up.”

Wakamatsu’s bold callout of Pantoja, who is scheduled to defend his UFC title against Kai Kara-France at UFC 317, sets the stage for a potential superfight between champions. If Pantoja emerges victorious, a bout between the UFC and ONE titleholders could determine who truly reigns supreme in the flyweight division. Such cross-promotional battles remain rare in MMA but generate immense fan interest whenever seriously proposed.

But before he can think of Pantoja, Wakamatsu may have his hands full with a new and dangerous threat from within ONE Championship. Chatri Sityodtong, the Chairman and CEO of ONE, teased that Wakamatsu’s first title defense could come against a rising and undefeated challenger. During the press conference, Sityodtong hinted at a fighter with an unblemished 13-0 record, suggesting that Uzbekistan’s Sanzhar Zakirov is likely the man in question.

Zakirov, currently ranked #3 in the division, has been a wrecking ball in his ONE career, winning all six of his promotional appearances, including three finishes. His crisp striking and relentless pressure have earned him a growing fanbase, and a shot at Wakamatsu’s crown would mark his biggest test yet.

“Maybe it will be someone new in the flyweight division,” Sityodtong said.“Someone who has 13 wins.”

If confirmed, a Wakamatsu vs. Zakirov showdown would serve as a thrilling main event for ONE 173, while keeping the champion active and sharp in case a cross-promotional clash materializes. Either way, Wakamatsu's ambitions are clear: he wants to dominate on all fronts — from Tokyo to Las Vegas — and leave no doubt about who the true king of flyweight MMA is.