‘Feels Like Destiny To Me’ – Yuya Wakamatsu Promises To Embody The Bushido Spirit At ONE SAMURAI 1

Wakamatsu frequently incorporates traditional Japanese rituals into his preparation. Before embarking on a grueling fight camp, he often performs Gomagyo – a Buddhist fire ceremony designed to ward off negative energies and remove impurities – and undertakes waterfall training to cleanse his mind. These ancient practices ensure he enters the training room completely grounded.

“Little Piranha” views MMA as the purest modern expression of combat, and he believes ONE Championship is the only global platform that truly honors those ancient traditions.

Wakamatsu explained:

“What ONE SAMURAI brings to Japan is the values martial arts teach – honesty, courage, determination, and respect for others. These are the things ONE Championship values most. Martial arts isn’t just about violence. It’s the mindset that matters most. I believe ONE Championship is the only organization that truly represents that.

“That’s why fighting in ONE Championship feels like destiny to me. To me, ONE itself is Bushido. And that’s why I felt the name ONE SAMURAI was absolutely perfect.”

Wakamatsu Aims To Revive The True Bushido Spirit

To successfully defend his ONE Flyweight MMA World Title against a dangerous challenger like Avazbek Kholmirzaev, Yuya Wakamatsu knows he must rely on his mental fortitude just as much as his physical tools.

While the Japanese superstar acknowledges that modern athletes around the globe have made massive strides in physical conditioning and sports science, he believes his true advantage lies in his unbreakable mindset.

His goal for ONE SAMURAI 1 extends far beyond simply retaining his World Championship. “Little Piranha” aims to use this global platform to remind his countrymen of the mental toughness that once defined Japanese martial arts.

The flyweight MMA king said:

“I honestly feel that we’ve lost that core spirit, and [we are] focused too much on outward, physical aspects instead of what’s inside. That’s why, physically, we may seem weaker now. But mentally, I believe we are the strongest in the world.

“My idea of Bushido is first and foremost overcoming yourself – defeating your own weaknesses, facing them head-on, and continuing to fight them. It’s also about not just fighting, but also valuing your family and caring for others, and also being grateful for everything, having humility, sincerity, and consideration for others. These are the true strengths of the Japanese people, and all of that is embodied in Bushido.”

With Kholmirzaev bringing an explosive finishing rate and unrelenting pressure to Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, Wakamatsu will undoubtedly need every ounce of that samurai spirit to survive the early onslaught and impose his own strategy.

The reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion views the formidable Uzbek phenom not as an obstacle, but as the perfect catalyst to draw out his ultimate potential.

If Wakamatsu can successfully defend his crown in spectacular fashion, he believes the ripple effect will be felt across the entire country.

“Little Piranha” concluded:

“The impact ONE SAMURAI will have on Japan is bringing back the Bushido spirit that people have forgotten. I truly believe it will become a major [event] that helps restore that, and I want to be the one who embodies that spirit and leads the way.

“Through ONE SAMURAI, I believe Japanese people can push their mentality to the highest level, and show the world the strength of the Japanese spirit through fighting.”

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