"I couldn't imagine doing that" - Kade Ruotolo says he'll never fight his twin brother Tye Ruotolo in an MMA match
Even to this day, Kade Ruotolo still figures in full-on scraps and all-out fistfights with his twin brother Tye over the simplest of things. However, the 21-year-old admits he wouldn't dare fight his sibling in a professional setting, especially in mixed martial arts.
The Ruotolos, of course, became absolute fan favorites for their willingness to take on anyone at any given time in the BJJ circuit. There were certainly no exceptions, as the Atos standouts even battled one another in grappling competitions.
However, Kade Ruotolo says that's where he draws the line.
The youngest ADCC world champion cannot fathom throwing violent strikes against his twin for the whole world to see. He told Cageside Press:
"But in MMA, no [I wouldn't fight him]. I couldn't elbow and slice up my brother, you know? I couldn't imagine doing that."
Kade Ruotolo continued:
"But in jiu-jitsu, you're not punching, you're not kicking, it's grappling. So as far as grappling goes, we'd always be ready to scratch each other."
Kade Ruotolo recently got his feet wet in MMA, winning his debut in emphatic fashion against Blake Cooper last June.
Tye Ruotolo, on the other hand, is also expected to don the four-ounce gloves before the year ends.
Watch the full interview:
Kade Ruotolo opens up on cordial relationship with challenger Mikey Musumeci
Before returning to MMA, Kade Ruotolo will first fulfill his duties as lightweight submission grappling king by defending his throne.
On September 6, the American BJJ ace will take on flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci at ONE 168: Denver at Ball Arena.
In the same interview, Ruotolo revealed his affinity for 'Darth Rigatoni':
"We're chill. We've known each other over the years. Just being in the same circuit, always seeing each other in competitions. We shared some of the same sponsors, and stuff like that."
The Atos standout concluded:
"We're obviously not best friends or anything like that, but we're definitely still in."
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster