ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo showed the world he has fire in his fists when he returned to mixed martial arts this past weekend at ONE 169.
The 21-year-old ran through Ahmed Mujtaba to take home the win just 64 seconds into his second-ever MMA outing on Saturday, 9th November, inside Bangkok, Thailand's Lumpinee Stadium.
Ruotolo landed a well-timed overhand right to drop his Pakistani adversary, then moved in to seal the deal with a D'arce choke submission. Though he was looking for a knockout, the California native admits his grappling instincts took charge in the final moments.
"You know, the last fight was more of a jiu-jitsu finish, and I wanted to show that I got some hands too, you know," Ruotolo said.
"I'm super stoked that right hand clicked. I got the knockdown. Probably could have finished it there. But I just couldn't resist the D'Arce opportunity. It's always there."
Ruotolo may only be two fights into his career in the all-encompassing sport, but he has lofty ambitions.
The Atos representative dreams of becoming ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion, and his dominant display at ONE 169 has many fans curious about how he'd hold up against reigning divisional king Christian Lee.
Ever the competitor, Ruotolo says he'd jump at a World Title shot if it were offered – even if those around him advise a more patient approach.
"I'm a very ambitious person, so I like the sound of it. That being said, it's only my second MMA fight. So, you know, go straight to the belt, there's a massive opportunity," he said.
"Personally, I'm down. But I know my coaches, my team, and everyone around me is going to be saying do it smart; get the experience. That's the top of the mountain in MMA, right? So might as well enjoy it as well."
