Chatri Sityodtong says a potential fight between Kade Ruotolo and Marcelo Garcia would be “one of the biggest dream matchups”
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong believes a potential matchup between Kade Ruotolo and Marcelo Garcia has what it takes to shape the foundation of modern Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
In a stunning development, ONE Championship announced on Instagram that the BJJ legend has come out of retirement and signed to compete under the promotion's growing submission grappling scene.
Sityodtong wrote in the comments section that a potential match between Garcia and Ruotolo could become one of the greatest fights in submission grappling history.
Chatri Sityodtong expressed:
"One of the biggest dream matchups that fans will go crazy for is you vs Kade for the world title in the future! It will arguably be the most-watched jiu-jitsu match in history!!! @ruotolobrothersjiujitsu @marcelogarciajiujitsu"
Marcelo Garcia, 41, is a nine-time BJJ world champion and there's a good chance he could one day contend for Ruotolo's ONE lightweight submission grappling world title.
The Brazilian icon won five IBJJF world titles and four ADCC world championships throughout his storied career.
Garcia is also an inductee in the Halls of Fame of both IBJJF and ADCC.
Ruotolo, meanwhile, is one of the best of the current generation, having won BJJ world titles with the ADCC, WNO, and CJI.
The 21-year-old is also the inaugural and reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion.
Ruotolo recently debuted in MMA and is now 2-0 in the sport following a submission win over Ahmed Mujtaba at ONE 169 this past weekend at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.
Marcelo Garcia gives massive boost to ONE Championship's growing submission grappling roster
Tom DeBlass didn't take long to sign up some of the best names in the world of submission grappling when he assumed his post as ONE Championship Vice President of Marketing.
Apart from the signing of Marcelo Garcia, DeBlass also orchestrated ONE Championship's acquisition of Cole Abate, Dante Leon, and Fabricio Andrey.
Still, Garcia's arrival in the promotion marked a sudden shift in the submission grappling landscape.