“Wasn’t how I wanted to win” - Tye Ruotolo apologizes to Lumpinee Stadium fans for latest performance
Reigning and undisputed ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion Tye Ruotolo of the United States was simply not happy with his latest performance. But beyond letting himself down, Ruotolo was even more disappointed in letting the Lumpinee Stadium crowd down.
Ruotolo has built a solid reputation as an exciting finisher at Lumpinee, after the 21-year-old BJJ phenom put through a handful of thrilling performances at the historic arena.
His latest victory over South African teenager Jozef Chen, however, ended in a decision after time expired. And it was far from exciting by Ruotolo's standards.
Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in a recent interview, Ruotolo talked about his performance.
The ONE welterweight submission grappling king said:
"I feel good to get the win. Wasn’t how I wanted to win of course. Every time I step into the stage especially Lumpinee, I go out to impress the crowd, make a statement, and get a submission. It didn’t happen tonight. I wasn’t really feeling the best, wasn’t feeling like myself but I got it done, so I’m stoked."
Ruotolo and Chen locked horns in a 186-pound catchweight submission grappling contest at ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov on Prime Video, which took place live at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok last Friday, July 6.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch a replay of ONE Fight Night 23 absolutely free and on-demand via Amazon Prime Video.
What's next for Tye Ruotolo after ONE Fight Night 23 victory over Jozef Chen?
Tye Ruotolo has an appearance at the Craig Jones Invitational coming up in a couple of months, but after that, the 21-year-old American star says he will shift his focus to finally making his professional mixed martial arts debut.
Ruotolo is thankful for emerging from the bout against Jozef Chen unscathed, and ready to go again.
He told Sportskeeda MMA:
"It was all right, you know. I don't want to sit here and make a bunch of excuses. Definitely could have been better, to be completely honest, but I got it done and that's all that matters."