“Go knock all of it out” - Kade Ruotolo bares plan to juggle grappling at the highest levels and burgeoning MMA career
Kade Ruotolo promised not to neglect his responsibilities as ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion now that his mixed martial arts career is taking off.
The 21-year-old BJJ wonder upped his MMA record to 2-0 following another one-round highlight reel finish at ONE 169 last weekend at Bangkok's storied Lumpinee Stadium.
Building off his stellar debut win against Blake Cooper last June, Ruotolo upped the ante with an even more impressive performance against Ahmed Mujtaba.
The CJI under 80kg winner floored 'Wolverine' with a crushing overhand right and secured the finish via his patented D'Arce choke.
Despite his success in MMA, Ruotolo said he won't forget his roots and still perform at the highest levels of grappling.
The youngest ADCC world champion said in an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show:
"At the beginning of this year, obviously I haven't made my MMA debut yet. I’m just a full jiu-jitsu guy even though I love fighting, I love the martial arts."
Kade Ruotolo continued:
"As far as what I have accomplished, it was just all jiu-jitsu and you know I had all these upcoming tournaments right, the CGI possibly or the ADCC whatever it may have been, super fights all these things and you know super excited to go knock all of it out."
The full replay of ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada
Watch the full interview:
Kade Ruotolo professes his love for MMA
Kade Ruotolo is always on the hunt for higher mountains to climb. After reaching the pinnacle of grappling, the Atos standout is enjoying the new challenges that MMA brings.
While the reigning lightweight submission grappling king will still look to defend his crown against possible usurpers, he's also eyeing another gold in another sport.
Ruotolo told Mitch Chilson in his ONE 169 in-ring interview:
"A little bit of everything. I want to stay on top of the mountain in jiu-jitsu, of course, defend my belt with ONE Championship, and also build my record in MMA. My heart’s in MMA, if I’m being honest. I love MMA."