Kade Ruotolo will have his submission grappling plate full at “ONE Fight Night 11: Eersel vs. Menshikov” on Prime Video, but the American superstar may be eyeing a move to another sport in the very near future.
The ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion will defend his crown against Norwegian standout Tommy Langaker when the promotion returns to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 9, but he has also revealed that he’d like to switch his focus to MMA at some point this year.
With such dominance in the world of submission grappling, it is unsurprising that Ruotolo is already being pegged for success in the all-encompassing sport. Here are three reasons why he could do great things whenever he chooses to make the move.
1. His world-class grappling
This one might seem obvious, but Ruotolo can grapple with the very best of them.
While modern-day MMA requires an all-around skill set, the 20-year-old sensation will have his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt prowess to fall back on whenever he gets into deep waters.
Ruotolo became the youngest ADCC world champion of all-time in 2022 – mere months before earning the inaugural ONE lightweight submission grappling world title in October – and success has followed him throughout his martial arts journey thanks to his dominant skills on the ground.
If he can develop a lethal arsenal for when the fight is on the feet, then the California native could pair it nicely with his skills on the canvas, meaning he’ll be a threat to whoever faces him.
2. His improved striking
While Ruotolo has his grappling under control, there is unsurprisingly questions surrounding his standup game.
But the Atos Jiu-Jitsu representative revealed last year that he and his twin brother, undefeated ONE grappler Tye, have been training in muay Thai for quite some time.
“I have a bit in me. It’s not like I’m completely new to the game, and I’m falling in love with it every day,” he said
A developing interest in striking may not be enough to take it to the lifelong practitioners who make up ONE’s MMA ranks right now.
But a commitment to training under some of the more experienced MMA coaches might help Ruotolo to expedite his path.
3. His familiarity with ONE’s bright lights
Stage fright will be a non-issue for Ruotolo when he makes his MMA debut, as he is no stranger to competing in high-stakes battles inside the ONE circle.
Since making his promotional debut in 2022, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu prodigy has reeled off three victories over top-tier competition.
Ruotolo claimed his coveted belt with a lightning-quick submission of four-time sambo world champion Uali Kurzhev last October. And sandwiched between that scintillating performance are dominant decision wins – first over Japanese MMA legend Shinya Aoki and later IBJJF world champion Matheus Gabriel.
Win, lose, or draw against Langaker at ONE Fight Night 11, Ruotolo will bank more valuable experience that he’ll use when building his path to MMA greatness.
