WATCH: Kade Ruotolo wins pro MMA debut in spectacular fashion against Blake Cooper

Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo is one of the most exciting jiu-jitsu competitors in the world today.

The 21-year-old American phenom, along with his twin brother Tye Ruotolo, the ONE welterweight submission grappling king, is also one of the best pound-for-pound grapplers in the world today.

So when Ruotolo decided to tell the world he wanted to join mixed martial arts, it came as a huge shock. The 21-year-old said transitioning to MMA has always been in his plans, and he looks to do both jiu-jitsu and MMA going forward in his career.

At ONE 167 on Prime Video last June, Ruotolo finally made his professional MMA debut. He took on fellow American Blake Cooper in a three-round lightweight MMA contest.

Needless to say, Ruotolo was absolutely phenomenal with his performance.

You can check out his finish of Cooper and post-fight interview in the link below.

The lightweight submission grappling world titleholder needed just one round to dispatch his opponent, winning by rear-naked choke submission. Ruotolo was also able to showcase much of his striking, which was surprisingly solid.

Fans certainly will want to see Ruotolo back in the Circle again, competing among the best in the MMA world.

Kade Ruotolo to defend submission grappling gold against 'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci at ONE 168: Denver

Kade Ruotolo is set to defend his ONE lightweight submission grappling world title against flyweight king 'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci. The two lock horns at ONE 168: Denver, in ONE Championship's highly anticipated return to United States soil.

The event broadcasts live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, September 6th.

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.