“He’s in the same boat” - Kade Ruotolo confident twin brother Tye will also thrive once he transitions to MMA
After bagging his second-straight win in MMA, Kade Ruotolo is confident that his twin brother and fellow ONE world champion, Tye Ruotolo, will find similar success once he makes the transition to four-ounce gloves.
Kade Ruotolo—the reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion—stepped back into the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok at ONE 169 for a mixed martial arts scrap with former Pakistani MMA titleholder Ahmed Mujtaba.
After utilizing his grappling game to earn a win over Blake Cooper in June, Ruotolo aimed to put his striking skills on display this time around—and he did exactly that. Less than 60 seconds into the scrap, Ruotolo landed a booming overhand right that sent Mujtaba crashing to the canvas.
Once on the mat, it was just a matter of time.
Speaking with Mitch Chilson immediately following his win, Ruotolo confirmed that he'll return to MMA in 2025 alongside his brother, who is actively recovering and training for his debut in the sport:
"My brother, I know he’s in the same boat. He’s recovering. I’m gonna spend the rest of this year recovering and coming strong for MMA next year, absolutely, and keeping with those W’s."
Tye and Kade Ruotolo are coming to take over MMA in 2025
Tye Ruotolo—like his brother—is undefeated under the ONE Championship banner, going 7-0 and claiming the ONE welterweight submission grappling world title in the process.
His last appearance inside the Circle came at ONE Fight Night 23 in July where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Jozef Chen. Before that, he successfully submitted Aussie grappling star Izaak Michell at ONE Fight Night 21.
In between his fights, fans have seen Tye Ruotolo appear in his brother's corner. Perhaps in 2025, we'll see Kade Ruotolo in the corner of his brother as the two 21-year-old phenoms look to conquer another combat sport.
If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.