Key Highlights
- ONE 173 will feature flyweight and lightweight championship bouts.
- Yuya Wakamatsu defends his flyweight title against Joshua Pacio.
- Christian Lee challenges Alibeg Rasulov for the lightweight title.
- Hank Strandberg leads MMASucka staff picks, predicting several outcomes.
ONE 173: The Grand Championship Showdowns
The highly anticipated ONE 173 event is set to take place on November 16, 2025, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. This blockbuster card promises a series of electrifying bouts across multiple weight classes, with both flyweight and lightweight championship titles up for grabs.
Championship Bouts
In the main event of ONE 173, Yuya Wakamatsu will defend his flyweight title against Joshua Pacio. Wakamatsu, who is coming off a significant knockout victory over Adriano Moraes, aims to solidify his position as the reigning champion. On the other side, Pacio seeks to add another championship belt to his collection after an eight-year hiatus.
Meanwhile, in the lightweight division, Christian Lee will face Alibeg Rasulov for the vacant lightweight title.
Lee has been dominant over the past half-decade, with only one defeat and seven knockouts in his last eight victories. Rasulov, who is undefeated as a professional, is eager to prove himself as an elite lightweight fighter.
Staff Picks and Predictions
The MMASucka staff picks for ONE 173 are led by Hank Strandberg, who has the best record among the team. Strandberg’s predictions include:
- Chihiro Sawada over Itsuki Hirata in a women’s atomweight bout.
- Shinya Aoki over Hiroyuki Tetsuka in a lightweight matchup.
- Tye Ruotolo over Shozo Isojima in another lightweight contest.
- Christian Lee to win against Alibeg Rasulov for the lightweight title.
Strandberg’s predictions reflect his deep understanding of the fighters and their recent performances, adding a layer of expert analysis to the event.
Background and Industry Context
The ONE 173 event is part of a larger series of championship fights that have been gaining significant attention in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. With its diverse roster of fighters and high-stakes title bouts, ONE Championship continues to attract top talent from around the globe.
The predictions by MMASucka staff members provide fans with insights into how these experts view the upcoming matchups. These picks not only entertain but also offer valuable analysis for bettors and MMA enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
ONE 173 promises to be a monumental event in the world of mixed martial arts, featuring thrilling championship bouts and expertly crafted predictions. As fans eagerly await this showdown, they can look forward to an evening filled with high-stakes action and potential upsets that could shake up the rankings in both flyweight and lightweight divisions.
