“I’m down for it” - BJJ superstar Kade Ruotolo says he’s up to fight anyone ONE Championship gives him in MMA
Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion-turned-mixed martial artist Kade Ruotolo of the United States was successful in his second MMA fight for the world's largest martial arts organization. Now, the 21-year-old only has one thing on his mind.
He wants to do it all again, and real soon.
Ruotolo is fresh off a first-round submission victory over Pakistan's 'Wolverine' Ahmed Mujtaba at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video last weekend. He finished Mujtaba with his signature D'Arce choke in the first round.
Prior to that, Ruotolo showcased his striking yet again by dropping Mujtaba with a thunderous overhand right, before securing the fight-ending submission in front of a packed crowd at Bangkok's famous Lumpinee Stadium.
Speaking to veteran ONE Championship broadcast analyst Mitch 'The Dragon' Chilson in the ring after the fight, Ruotolo said he isn't really thinking about his next opponent in particular, but would face anyone the promotion puts in front of him.
The 21-year-old Atos jiu-jitsu product stated:
"To be honest, no one really in particular. Really, whoever you guys think is a great matchup and an exciting one, I’m down for it."
ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video went down live from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday, Nov. 9. Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action via replay on-demand with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
What's next for Kade Ruotolo after his first-round submission win over Ahmed Mujtaba at ONE 169 on Prime Video?
Lightweight submission grappling king Kade Ruotolo is on cloud nine after another spectacular performance against Ahmed Mujtaba at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video.
Fans can expect a world title defense from Ruotolo next, should the next available challenger be ready. If not, the 21-year-old would love to get right back in the mix in MMA, and could face a live challenger in his next fight.
He has options. A step up in competition could be considered, with veterans like Amir Khan and Eduard Folayang. But the real test could come against Switzerland's Maurice Abevi, who is on a solid two-fight winning streak.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Kade Ruotolo's next fight.