“Everyone is stoked about the platform” – Kade Ruotolo revisits his and twin Tye’s decision to join the home of martial arts
On May 20, 2022, ONE Championship fans were introduced to Tye and Kade Ruotolo — two young grapplers who would grow to become two of the biggest names in the sport today.
That night, Kade Ruotolo stunned fight fans when he outworked Japanese MMA icon Shinya Aoki en route to a unanimous decision while his brother scored an incredible 82-second submission victory over 'The Lion Killer' Garry Tonon.
Since then, both have moved on to become world champions in and outside of ONE Championship.
Kade holds the ONE lightweight submission grappling world title, while Tye has the ONE welterweight submission grappling world title.
Speaking with ONE Championship in a recent interview, Kade Ruotolo looked back on his decision to sign with the promotion alongside his brother, saying:
"We did do it as a together thing, we signed at the same time and everything at the same time. We both wanted to. We did it as a packaged deal. We are so happy with [the decision]. Everyone is really stoked about the platform and the legitimacy that it brings."
Kade Ruotolo breaks into mixed martial arts at ONE 167
After building an impressive 6-0 resume under the ONE banner, capturing the ONE lightweight submission grappling world championship in the process, Kade Ruotolo will strap on the four-ounce gloves for his first foray into mixed martial arts.
On Friday, June 7, Ruotolo will meet American standout Blake Cooper in MMA action as ONE Championship's top stars descend upon the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand for ONE 167.
"It's gonna be an absolutely massive matchup," Ruotolo said at a post-fight press event. "I've just been anticipating this so much, my MMA debut. It's something that I really wanted to be doing. I'm so stoked that it's finally happening, finally."
ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 167 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime on Friday, June 7.