Kade Ruotolo pumped to conquer ‘completely different world’ in MMA transition: “I’m falling in love with it”
Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion turned mixed martial artist Kade Ruotolo of the United States is growing more fond of training in MMA by the day.
Ruotolo decided to transition from 'the gentle art' to the all-encompassing fighting discipline of the cage this year, and the 21-year-old phenom says it has been eye-opening, to say the least.
Speaking to the media at the official ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video press conference, Ruotolo shared his thoughts on his MMA transition and how it's going so far.
The California native said:
"It’s a completely different world, that’s for sure. I always keep saying the main difference when I start pounding in jiu-jitsu, there’s no nerves, no stress. It’s like breathing for me. It comes naturally."
Ruotolo continued:
"But in the MMA world, it’s a whole different world. There’s so many different weapons to worry about, you know? With that being said, there’s a little bit more uneasiness. But I honestly think that’s why I’m falling in love with it. All the things that I love in my life - jiu-jitsu, MMA, surfing, spear fishing - they all get my adrenaline up. I’m addicted to it."
Ruotolo returns for his second MMA fight in the world's largest martial arts organization this weekend.
Kade Ruotolo to face Ahmed Mujtaba in lightweight MMA scrap at ONE 169 on Prime Video
Submission grappling king Kade Ruotolo is set to face Pakistani MMA champion 'Wolverine' Ahmed Mujtaba in a three-round lightweight MMA scrap.
The two lock horns at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, November 8.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.