Get ready for a night of jaw-dropping MMA action that left fans on the edge of their seats! ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri delivered not one, but two explosive World Title battles that ended in spectacular fashion—both by TKO. But here's where it gets even more thrilling: both champions, Yuya Wakamatsu and Christian Lee, retained their titles in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on November 16, proving once again why they’re at the top of their game. And this is the part most people miss—each fighter faced their own unique challenges, making their victories even more remarkable.
In the co-main event, Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu, the ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion, defended his title on home soil against the reigning strawweight king, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio. Wakamatsu’s relentless aggression and precision paid off as he secured a second-round TKO with grounded knees, leaving no doubt about his dominance. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—Pacio stunned Wakamatsu early with sharp hooks, and the Filipino veteran showed incredible resilience before ultimately succumbing to the Japanese star’s onslaught.
Earlier in the night, Christian “The Warrior” Lee, the two-division ONE World Champion, faced undefeated rival Alibeg Rasulov in a highly anticipated Lightweight MMA World Title rematch. Their first encounter ended in a no-contest due to an eye poke, but this time, Lee left no room for controversy. He dismantled Rasulov with a similar TKO finish in the second round, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant fighters in the sport. Yet, Rasulov’s relentless takedown attempts forced Lee to dig deep, showcasing the champion’s adaptability and skill.
But here’s the controversial part: While both fighters emerged victorious, some fans are debating whether Wakamatsu’s win over Pacio was a true test of his flyweight reign, given Pacio’s strawweight background. And Lee’s dominance over Rasulov has sparked discussions about who could possibly challenge him next. Is Lee truly unstoppable, or is there a contender out there who can dethrone him? We want to hear from you—sound off in the comments!
Wakamatsu’s journey to this victory is particularly inspiring. After dethroning longtime flyweight king Adriano Moraes at ONE 172 in March, he proved that his win was no fluke. His performance against Pacio was a masterclass in aggression and technique, earning him a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. With a record of 20-6, Wakamatsu is cementing his legacy as one of Japan’s greatest MMA fighters.
Lee, on the other hand, continues to dominate across divisions. Holding both the Lightweight and Welterweight MMA World Championships, he improved his record to 18-4 with 17 finishes. His ability to shut down Rasulov’s takedown attempts and finish the fight with precision strikes highlights why he’s considered the winningest athlete in the world’s largest martial arts organization. And yes, he also walked away with a US$50,000 bonus, making the night even sweeter.
So, what’s next for these champions? Will Wakamatsu face a flyweight contender who can truly push him to his limits? And who in the lightweight division can step up to challenge Lee? These questions linger as fans eagerly await the next chapter in their careers. One thing’s for sure—ONE 173 was a night to remember, and these fighters are just getting started. What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below!
