Last December, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prodigy Tye Ruotolo asked for a submission grappling showdown with ONE Middleweight MMA World Champion Reinier de Ridder, and he’ll get his wish at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Prime Video.
Set for May 5 at ONE’s historic sold-out debut on United States soil, the intriguing matchup will truly test Ruotolo’s ability to deal with a larger, stronger opponent.
When he enters the Circle at 1stBank Center in Colorado, the 20-year-old lightweight will be moving up two weight classes and giving up 6 inches in height to “The Dutch Knight.”
Still, many fans are picking Ruotolo to take out the reigning middleweight MMA king, who’s also a former light heavyweight titleholder. Here are three reasons why he could slay the giant that is RDR.
#1 His Experience Against Bigger Competitors
When it comes to grappling against larger opponents, this certainly won’t be the Californian’s first rodeo.
Last September at the prestigious ADCC World Championships, Ruotolo’s fearless and unstoppably aggressive style was on full display as he tore his way to a third-place finish in the openweight division.
Notably, he took out multiple-time Heavyweight BJJ World Champion Felipe Pena, proving he owns the extraordinary skills and tenacity to beat one of the planet’s top competitors – all while giving up more than 40 pounds in weight.
#2 He’s Always Going For The Kill
Just like his twin brother – reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo – Tye is known for his ultra-aggressive, submission-hunting approach to grappling.
Fans have seen this throughout his first two appearances inside the Circle.
Last May at ONE 157, Ruotolo made quick work of longtime BJJ superstar Garry Tonon, submitting him with a trademark D’Arce choke. And in December at ONE on Prime Video 5, he tapped out former featherweight MMA king Marat Gafurov with a beautiful armbar.
The American’s natural inclination for finding the submission should serve him well against a massive foe like De Ridder. As the smaller competitor, he can’t afford to fight on the back foot for one second and is well-equipped to force the Dutch athlete onto the defensive from the opening bell.
#3 His Pace Is Relentless
In addition to his top-tier technical acumen, Ruotolo possesses a seemingly endless gas tank – an attribute he’ll lean on against the hulking De Ridder.
Even if he finds himself in the bottom position, smashed under his opponent’s considerable weight, the Atos representative is unlikely to show any signs of fatigue.
Simply put, Ruotolo has made a name for himself as one of the most fast-paced and entertaining grapplers the world has ever seen.
Look for him to pick up the aggression as the match wears on, hoping to capitalize on any mistakes “The Dutch Knght” might make once he becomes tired.
