Reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo is ready to resume his mission of becoming a two-sport king.
Following his successful mixed martial arts debut earlier this year, the 21-year-old BJJ superstar will return for his second career MMA fight when he takes on dangerous opponent Ahmed “Wolverine” Mujtaba at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug.
That lightweight MMA contest will air in U.S. primetime on November 8 from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Already recognized as one of the planet’s top pound-for-pound submission grapplers, Ruotolo might be the most exciting BJJ athlete to ever cross over to the all-around sport of MMA.
After reeling off six straight submission grappling victories in ONE to win and defend the lightweight crown, the Californian made his much-anticipated MMA debut this past June at ONE 167.
That night, he showcased a surprisingly adept stand-up game against Hawaiian slugger Blake Cooper before closing the show with a highlight-reel submission win in the first round.
Since that performance, Ruotolo has returned to grappling, winning the US$1-million prize at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational to further cement himself as a pound-for-pound powerhouse.
At ONE 169, Ruotolo will face a serious challenge in Mujtaba.
“Wolverine” is a veteran of eight thrilling MMA fights in the world’s largest martial arts organization and has proven to be a ruthless finisher, whether he’s hunting for submissions on the mat or chasing knockouts on the feet.
What’s more, the 31-year-old might have the skills to give Ruotolo fits on the ground.
In 2022 at ONE 163, he scored an incredible triangle choke finish against decorated BJJ black belt Abraao Amorim, confirming that he can hang with elite ground fighters.
Will the well-rounded competitor slow down the BJJ superstar’s meteoric rise, or will Ruotolo take a massive step forward in his MMA quest?
Check onefc.com for all the news and announcements about ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug.
