Get ready to witness the sheer dominance of MMA’s finest, because ONE 173 just delivered two jaw-dropping title defenses that left fans on the edge of their seats—but here’s where it gets controversial: were these victories as straightforward as they seemed? Let’s dive in.
On November 16, Tokyo’s Ariake Arena became the epicenter of MMA brilliance as ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri (http://onefc.com/events/one173) unfolded. The event showcased not one, but two explosive MMA World Title bouts, both culminating in spectacular TKO finishes. The question on everyone’s mind: Was it skill, strategy, or sheer luck that sealed these victories?
First up, ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu (http://onefc.com/athletes/yuya-wakamatsu) defended his title on home soil against strawweight king Joshua “The Passion” Pacio (http://onefc.com/athletes/joshua-pacio). Wakamatsu’s relentless aggression and precision struck early, but Pacio’s resilience kept him in the fight—until it didn’t. A brutal barrage of grounded knees in round two sealed the deal, leaving fans wondering: Could Pacio have survived if he’d adjusted his strategy sooner?
And this is the part most people miss: Wakamatsu’s journey to this victory wasn’t without hurdles. After dethroning Adriano Moraes at ONE 172 (http://onefc.com/events/one172) in March, he faced a seasoned opponent in Pacio, who initially stunned him with hooks. Yet, Wakamatsu’s adaptability and knockout artistry prevailed, earning him a 20-6 record and a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman Chatri Sityodtong (https://chatrisityodtong.com/story/).
But the night wasn’t over. Two-division champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee (http://onefc.com/athletes/christian-lee) stepped into the Circle for a highly anticipated rematch against undefeated Alibeg Rasulov (http://onefc.com/athletes/alibeg-rasulov). Their first encounter in December 2024 ended in a no-contest due to an eye poke (https://www.onefc.com/news/christian-lee-vs-alibeg-rasulov-ends-in-no-contest-due-to-eye-poke-at-one-fight-night-26/), leaving fans hungry for a decisive outcome. This time, Lee left no room for controversy, dismantling Rasulov with a D’Arce choke and ground knees in round two.
But here’s the bold question: Did Rasulov underestimate Lee’s grappling prowess, or was this simply a masterclass in dominance? Lee’s victory not only retained his lightweight title but also solidified his status as the winningest athlete in ONE Championship, with a 18-4 record and 17 finishes. Oh, and let’s not forget his $50,000 bonus—because why not?
Both Wakamatsu and Lee showcased why they’re at the top of their game, but their wins weren’t without challenges. From Wakamatsu’s early stumbles to Lee’s tactical adjustments, these fights were a testament to the unpredictability of MMA. So, what’s your take? Were these victories inevitable, or did luck play a role? Let’s debate in the comments!
