Tye Ruotolo secures a shot at the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title after an impressive victory. Read about his dominance and potential matchup against his twin brother.
With his latest victory at ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs. Grigorian on Prime Video, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prodigy Tye Ruotolo has earned himself a chance to compete for the inaugural ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title. The 20-year-old phenom showcased his skills by submitting #2-ranked lightweight MMA contender Dagi Arslanaliev in their 180-pound catchweight bout, solidifying his flawless record in the organization.
Ruotolo wasted no time in the fight, needing less than three minutes to secure the victory. From the opening bell, he displayed his aggressiveness and control, impressing the fired-up Thai crowd at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok. Despite his dominant performance, Ruotolo expressed his respect for his opponent, acknowledging the toughness and strength of anyone from Dagestan.
In an interview after the fight, Ruotolo emphasized his confidence in his submission abilities, stating that he believes he can submit anyone at 180 pounds, regardless of their defensive or offensive approach. With the rear-naked choke finish, Ruotolo not only earned a $50,000 performance bonus but also secured a World Title shot in his next outing.
If Ruotolo manages to claim the welterweight gold, he will take a significant step towards establishing himself as the top pound-for-pound grappler in the world. The young prodigy, who already holds the title of the youngest-ever IBJJF Black Belt World Champion, firmly believes that there is no one around his size who can defeat him.
While Ruotolo’s dominance in the submission grappling world is unquestionable, there is one person who can challenge his claim to the top spot – his twin brother, Kade Ruotolo. The reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion has also made a name for himself in the sport, leading to speculation about a potential matchup between the two siblings in ONE.
Tye Ruotolo revealed that he is open to the idea of facing his brother once again, despite their previous encounters resulting in mixed outcomes. The most recent showdown between the Ruotolo brothers took place in the 2021 IBJJF Brown Belt World Championships final, which was hailed as one of the most thrilling gi jiu-jitsu matches of the year.
As both athletes have now achieved elite black belt status, a clash between them in the world’s largest martial arts organization would undoubtedly captivate fans and deliver an electrifying spectacle. While their mother may not be thrilled about the prospect of another match between her sons, the potential for a fourth encounter between Tye and Kade Ruotolo promises excitement for spectators.
In summary, Tye Ruotolo’s impressive victory at ONE Fight Night 13 has earned him a shot at the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title. With his flawless record and confidence in his submission abilities, Ruotolo aims to establish himself as the top pound-for-pound grappler in the world. Additionally, the possibility of a matchup against his twin brother, Kade Ruotolo, adds further intrigue to his journey in the sport.