“It’s gonna be a different fight” - Blake Cooper looking to turn the tide against Kade Ruotolo after disappointing debut
American MMA fighter Blake Cooper is out to redeem himself when he returns to action next week after having a disappointing ONE Championship debut last year.
The 27-year-old Hawaiian martial artist will be back to compete at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut on June 7 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
He is going up against ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo, who is making his maiden MMA outing in the event.
Cooper is coming off a TKO loss in his promotional debut last September at the hands of Swiss opponent Maurice Abevi. It is something that he is taking cues from as he gears up for his return to action at ONE 167.
In an interview with ONE Championship, the up-and-coming MMA fighter spoke about what he has been doing in preparation for Ruotolo and what should be expected from him.
Cooper said:
"I'm doing things a lot different this time around and preparation is a lot better this time, so you know it's gonna be a different fight."
The loss to Abevi was the first in the career of Cooper. He admitted that while mentally he was up for the challenge last time around, his body was not able to keep pace which greatly affected his ability to put up a solid showing.
ONE 167 will be available live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Blake Cooper gunning for a finish against Kade Ruotolo
Blake Cooper has made it known that for his upcoming MMA clash with American grappling ace Kade Ruotolo at ONE 167 on June 7 in Thailand, he will be going for a finish. It is part of his push to redeem himself after having it disappointing in his promotional debut last September.
The Oahu, Hawaii resident will be going up against ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Ruotolo in a lightweight MMA showdown and is fully aware of what he wants to accomplish.
Speaking to ONE Championship, he said:
"Not trying to put a decision on this thing, just trying to go for the finish. That's my goal."
Cooper lost his ONE debut by way of TKO in the opening round at the hands of Swiss fighter Maurice Abevi.
Ruotolo, meanwhile, is making his MMA debut at ONE 167. It is the first of many matches he hopes to have in the multi-faceted sport of mixed martial arts while also competing in submission grappling.