Ruotolo Twins’ MMA Journey: From Submission Grappling to ONE Championship

Read about the Ruotolo twins’ journey from submission grappling to ONE Championship. Discover their plans for MMA and Tye’s recent victory at ONE Fight Night 13.

It’s no secret that the Ruotolo twins have their sights set on a potential move to mixed martial arts. Kade, the reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion, plans to enter the multi-faceted sport by the end of 2023, while his twin brother Tye prefers to wait a little longer.

Tye, the youngest-ever IBJJF world champion, has yet to capture ONE Championship gold like his brother. However, he is on an unstoppable rampage and recently showcased his skills by submitting lightweight MMA contender Dagi Arslanaliev at ONE Fight Night 13, held at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.

During his post-fight interview, Tye expressed his certainty that his brother will don the four-ounce gloves before the year ends. He also mentioned that he will continue to focus on his natural discipline, submission grappling, for a little while longer.

While Tye did not explicitly state why he prefers to wait his turn at MMA, it is clear that his dominance in submission grappling is a significant factor. Tye earned his shot at the inaugural ONE welterweight submission grappling world title after his impressive performance against Arslanaliev.

Although there have been no official announcements regarding Tye’s next opponent for the belt, he has already called out Izaak Michell and Pedro Marinho as potential challengers.

If Tye manages to capture the inaugural world title, he and Kade will join the ranks of the first set of siblings to reign as simultaneous world champions in ONE Championship . The current record holders are Angela Lee, the ONE women’s atomweight world champion, and her younger brother Christian, who holds the ONE lightweight and welterweight world titles.

Watch Tye’s entire interview below: