“ONE Fight Night 12: Superlek vs. Khalilov” promises to be another action-packed night inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 14.
With such a stacked card, there will no doubt be numerous contenders for “Fight of the Night,” but there is every chance the flyweight MMA battle between Xie Wei (17-5) and Yuya Wakamatsu (15-6) could take the honors on the night.
Both men have much to prove and much to gain in their battle, which goes out live to North American audiences via Prime Video, and here’s a breakdown of why their tussle will be unmissable at ONE Fight Night 12.
1. Yuya Wakamatsu’s lightning-fast speed
When flyweights step into action, speed is typically expected. But Wakamatsu is quick even by the high standards that ONE’s roster offers.
The fast footwork of “Little Piranha” makes him incredible to watch, as he darts in and out of range at a rapid pace to unload combinations.
All of Wakamatsu’s nine fights under the ONE banner have been fought at a furious pace, but his signature wins against the likes of Reece McLaren, Geje Eustaquio and Hu Yong – who are all known for their speed – have shown his point of difference.
Fans would be right not to blink when he hits the ring on July 14.
2. Xie Wei is a finisher
Xie’s record alone makes him must-see TV.
“The Hunter” has competed 10 times in ONE, and only once has a fight gone the distance.
The 26-year-old has reeled off eight wins over that period, with all coming by knockout.
He saw a three-fight win streak snapped by No. 4-ranked contender McLaren in his last outing, but he showed his power by dropping the Australian early in the opening round before he succumbed to a submission loss.
Xie doesn’t know how to put on a boring fight, and that will surely continue at ONE Fight Night 12.
3. The stakes are high
This is a critical meeting for both men.
Wakamatsu has been a perennial contender in the stacked flyweight division, currently ruled by American legend Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.
The Tribe Tokyo MMA representative has been ranked as high as third, and he challenged former divisional king Adriano Moraes for the gold in March 2022.
A loss to Woo Sung Hoon at ONE 163 in November saw him fall out of the rankings, but a win over No. 5-ranked Xie would surely thrust Wakamatsu back into contention.
Xie is also coming off a loss, and a defeat at ONE Fight Night 12 would likely see him lose his spot in the rankings. Victory would cement his position, however, and perhaps see him stepping into action against a fellow ranked fighter in the future.
Fans shouldn’t underestimate the effect this pressure will have on their contest at ONE Fight Night 12, as both men will need to let it all hang out to stay in the world title conversation.
