“I’m just thankful” - Kade Ruotolo on taking home another bonus for epic MMA debut

Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo of the United States made his professional mixed martial arts debut at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video last weekend, and ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong was absolutely mesmerized by his performance.

Sityodtong was so impressed, he awarded Ruotolo with yet another $50,000 bonus for his efforts.

Speaking to veteran ONE Championship broadcast analyst Mitch 'The Dragon' Chilson after the match, Ruotolo reacted to his bonus-worthy outing.

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The 21-year-old phenom said:

"Unreal, unreal. Thank you so much! I’m beyond psyched again. Tye’s always saying Chatri’s changing our lives single-handedly. As good as that bonus feels, there’s just one thing that comes to mind - it’s a Bob Marley quote. ‘The greatness of a man or a woman isn’t measured by the wealth they acquire, but in their ability to affect those around them positively’. So as good as the money feels, I’m just thankful and here to spread the positivity and the good vibes."

Ruotolo defeated fellow American Blake Cooper via first-round rear-naked choke victory. ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II took place live at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, last Saturday, June 8th.

If you missed any of the action, fans in the United States and Canada can catch a replay of ONE 167 on-demand via Amazon Prime Video.

What's next for Kade Ruotolo?

ONE lightweight submission grappling king Kade Ruotolo will return to his roots to defend his gold against flyweight titleholder 'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci.

The two lock horns at ONE 168: Denver, which broadcasts live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, September 6th.

Musumeci will be moving up to multiple divisions to lightweight for this showdown with Ruotolo.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates.