"Just not ready for it" - BJJ phenom Kade Ruotolo wants to put the world on notice in MMA debut at ONE 167
Reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo is hyped for his upcoming MMA debut at ONE 167 against Blake Cooper on June 7 inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
In a recent video that ONE Championship posted on Instagram, Ruotolo expressed his excitement and gave his thoughts about what he could bring against all the contenders in the division, especially his elite-level grappling.
The one-half of the famous Ruotolo brothers said:
"I just really wanna make that MMA debut. I've been getting a little more sparring rounds in, working my technique. I feel good. I think there's been a period of time since there's been a level of grappling as such, in MMA. 100% of the guys are just not ready for it or expecting it."
Kade is coming off an incredible victory over Francisco Lo in their catchweight grappling match at ONE Fight Night 21 on April 5, where he pulled off the 'Ruotolo-tine' technique, which forced the Brazilian to tap out at the 4:48 mark of their match.
Prior to this win over Lo, the 21-year-old American phenom successfully defended his 26-pound golden belt against Tommy Langaker in June 2023 and January 2024.
Kade Ruotolo recently revealed that he and his twin brother Tye grew up with several arguments
In a recent interview with the Jaxxson Podcast, Kade shared the story of how he and his brother Tye would always argue about several things growing up. He even gave an example of this when he started talking smack with the girl he dated.
Because of that incident, the Atos representatives had a little chase around their house until it ended in a situation where Tye choked Kade in their room.
ONE 167 is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America in U.S. primetime on June 7. The card will emanate from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.