ONE Championship: ‘Little Piranha’ defying ‘Gravity’
Credit to Author: Tempo Online| Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2019 06:09:55 +0000
Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio will be counting on his experience when he takes on Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES.
Eustaquio thinks his wars in the past will be critical in their coming clash. But Wakamatsu thinks otherwise.
While respectful of the foe he will face on 2 August, Wakamatsu believes that Eustaquio’s experience will have little significance when they cross paths at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“He’s a veteran, so I don’t think he’ll fight very differently from what I’ve seen. He’ll look to time his takedowns off my attacks and look for counter punches,” Wakatmatsu said in an interview with ONEFC.com.
“I’m now used to ONE, so I think if I fight hard for the full three rounds, there’ll be no problem. I’ve fought DJ and stronger opponents than him, so I’m not really bothered about his experience.”
Wakamatsu is on a two-bout losing streak, having dropped bouts against Eustaquio’s teammate, Danny Kingad, and pound for pound all-time great Demetrious Johnson.
Regardless of his slide, “Little Piranha” believes that he has what it takes to knock off the former ONE Flyweight World Champion. His tough bouts in The Home Of Martial Arts gave him the confidence that he can hang with anyone.
“Right after [the Johnson bout], I realized that I can compete at a world-class level, but I know it’s not an easy world,” Wakamatsu shared.
“I noticed that what I’ve been doing has raised me to a high level all around – my condition, mental strength, and skills have given me confidence,” he added.
Knowing that a third straight loss could be fatal, Wakamatsu will do everything to get that elusive win in ONE – despite facing a former World Champion in Eustaquio.
“The fans can expect to see what I’m known for – knockout finishes. I want to show them not just my hands, but my kicks, takedowns, and other techniques.
Wakamatsu also knows a win will keep him relevant in ONE.
“I’ve absorbed everything from my losses and have become stronger. I want to show everyone a strong comeback.”