“Get in there and get out of there” - Blake Cooper looking to make a statement against BJJ phenom Kade Ruotolo

Blake Cooper is certain he will be able to spoil Kade Ruotolo's highly anticipated MMA debut.

The Hawaiian slugger faces the ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion in an intriguing match at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on June 7 in U.S. primetime.

Cooper has a lot to prove after his shortcoming in his debut against Maurice Abevi within only a round of fiery fight. In an interview with ONE Championship, the Oahu resident spoke of his brimming confidence ahead of this massive fight.

He said:

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“I’m always trying to look for the finish. So whether it’s on the ground or standing, you know, just trying to finish this fight and get in there and get out of there.”

Although this is only his second appearance in ONE albeit the biggest in his young career, Cooper is not a pushover – with an undefeated amateur career and two professional wins.

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Blake Cooper looks on experience, aims high at ONE 167

As Blake Cooper is looking to welcome elite submission grappler Kade Ruotolo into the pro-MMA ranks when the former ADCC winner makes the jump, he is aiming high.

While the ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion is looking to embark on a new challenge, Cooper will be a tough nut to crack.

Speaking to ONE Championship, Cooper said that he learned some crucial lessons from his previous fight:

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"I feel like I could have prepared a lot more for that fight. I felt like I was doing good up until my body kind of just gave out. I got tired, man. I just didn't put in the hard work that I needed to do, and I got tired. It's just as simple as that."

With that in mind, he sees a path to victory against the grappling prodigy in his bread and butter. Indeed, Cooper will want to prove himself by ruining his opponent's debut, making this a must-see barnburner.

ONE 167 will air live in U.S. primetime from the Impact Arena in Bangkok on June 7.

Fans in America and Canada can watch this event for free with an Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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