"I'll perform how I'm supposed to" - Tye Ruotolo rues missing out on submission finish in dominant win over Jozef Chen
Tye Ruotolo is looking to secure a finish every time he makes the walk to compete. This same mentality is shared by his brother Kade and it's been on full display during their time in ONE Championship.
At ONE Fight Night 23 this past weekend, Tye was able to win a convincing decision against teen grappling prodigy Jozef Chen. It was another strong performance from the world champion inside Lumpinee Stadium but he was left unsatisfied.
The one clear positive for Tye to take from this contest was that he was able to get his hand raised despite feeling less than 100%. Ruotolo revealed after the contest that he has been dealing with some lingering neck issues that are going to be his focus once he returns home.
He spoke in his post-event interview about his feelings on the win and his performance:
"I really wasn't feeling great going into the match, but even on all my worst days, I just gotta man up and get it done, and that's what I did. I'm stoked to get it done, and in my next performance, I will be better. I'm going to go home and get in front of everything that would prevent me from having a great performance. In my next one, I'll perform how I'm supposed to."
Watch the full interview below:
Tye Ruotolo is a total professional at all times
ONE Championship fans may be able to remember that these issues that Tye Ruotolo was facing stem back to his last performance also. He successfully defended his ONE welterweight submission grappling world championship at ONE Fight Night 21 in April with a finish against Izaak Michell.
Despite earning the tap on that occasion, he was dealing with some health issues before the contest that had him going in compromised.
Regardless of this adversity before the contest, he came through both matches with the win which speaks to the incredible mindset, ability, and professionalism of Tye.
The replay of ONE Fight Night 23 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.