Japanese flyweight sensation Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada has a bag of tricks every time he competes in the Circle.
But it could very well be tested when he takes on 12-time flyweight mixed martial arts World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES in Manila, Philippines.
Wada knows he will have to overcome the toughest opponent of his career if he were to make it for the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix final happening in the stacked ONE: CENTURY card in Tokyo, Japan.
He did not sound a bit worried when asked how he predicted this bout could end.
“If I were to win, I think it would only be by TKO, so that’s what I’m betting on,” the 30-year-old Wada shared.
Although his last knockout victory came in 2016, Wada is skilled on the ground. His 52-second win against Philippines’ Eugene Toquero in November last year proved that.
The Deep Flyweight World Champion has eyes on that final spot in his hometown. However, a win against an athlete who is widely considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound mixed martial artists of all time could be even more special.
With a clear size and reach advantage over Johnson, the Tokyo native wants to leave Manila with his hand raised.
“World Title matches are important to me. Of course, I’m participating in ONE because a part of me wants to become World Champion, but I feel there is more value in defeating Demetrious Johnson,” he said. “I would be satisfied if I beat Demetrious Johnson. That’s my ultimate goal.”
Though he is tight-lipped about what tricks he will unleash inside the Mall of Asia Arena on 2 August, he revealed that he has analyzed Johnson’s weakness.
“While he is a legend, he’s still in the prime of his career, and so in that sense, he is someone I’d like to challenge myself against and see what I’m capable of. I’m looking forward to learning what mixed martial arts is all about from him.”
Despite knowing the bout will be a challenge for him, Wada sees openings in Johnson’s game.
“Yes, he does have a weakness, but I definitely don’t want to say what it is. It’s top secret.”
Could he set “Mighty Mouse” in a trap and return to Tokyo for the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix final?
Astro Awani
Sat Jul 20 2019
ONE: DAWN OF HEROES is scheduled to take place in Manila, on August 2. - ONE photo
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