Kade Ruotolo gives up ONE Championship gold for MMA debut, success and promotion

Kade Ruotolo: Who is he?

The rising star of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

At just 21 years old, Kade Ruotolo has already reached a level of success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that many athletes can only dream of.

His skill and determination quickly catapulted him into the top ranks of the grappling world and established him as one of the most promising talents in the sport.

Kade is not alone in his success. His brother Tye Ruotolo has also made a name for himself in the world of Jiu-Jitsu. Both brothers showed their talent at the prestigious ADCC tournament 2022.

Kade’s victory in the tournament not only cemented his status as a top-notch wrestler, but also earned him the coveted ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship.

Dominance and devotion

Since winning the ONE Championship belt, Kade has defended it several times, displaying a level of dominance that is rare for someone his age.

His performances were simply extraordinary and each victory cemented his status as a true force in the world of grappling.

The ultimate price

Despite his many accomplishments, Kade has made it clear that the ONE Championship belt holds a special place in his heart.

In a recent interview with Karyn Bryant, he expressed his deep affection for this belt, saying, “My ONE championship belt is the one that is closest to my heart.” This sentiment underscores the importance of this achievement in his already impressive career.

As Kade continues to grow and develop as a competitor, it is clear that his future in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is incredibly bright. Given his skill, dedication and passion for the sport, there is no telling how far he can go.

One thing is certain, however: Kade Ruotolo is a name that grappling fans will hear for years to come.

Kade Ruotolo: Biography

The rising star of American submission grappling

Kade Ruotolo, born on 22 January 2003is an exceptional talent in the field of submission grappling and a decorated black belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete from the United States.

His journey in competitive grappling began at an astonishingly young age alongside his twin brother Tye. Ruotolo’s exceptional skills earned him several awards, including the prestigious IBJJF World Champion titleas well as victories at the Pan American and European Open Championships at the colored belt level.

His remarkable achievements continued as he was promoted to the prestigious rank of black belt in December 2021.

Early beginnings and education

Ruotolo’s passion for grappling began at the age of three under the guidance of experienced trainers and mentors.

His dedication to the sport and his relentless pursuit of excellence quickly set him apart, demonstrating a level of skill and understanding unusual for his age. His twin brother Tye was a constant companion on this journey, and both pushed each other to new heights.

Kade Ruotolo: Achievements

Professional achievements and accomplishments

In a groundbreaking moment, Ruotolo made history at the ADCC World Championship 2022 by winning the title in the hard-fought 77kg class.

At just 19 years old, he became the youngest ADCC Submission Fighting World Champion ever, a testament to his exceptional talent, hard work and determination. This victory cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of grappling.

ONE Championship and current projects

• Ruotolo’s prowess in the grappling world has caught the attention of the prestigious ONE Championship, where he currently holds the title of Lightweight Submission Grappling Champion.
• His presence at the promotion increases the anticipation of fans worldwide as they witness his continued growth and dominance in the sport.
• As Kade Ruotolo continues to hone his skills and compete at the highest level of grappling, the future holds endless possibilities for this young phenomenon.
• His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers around the world and shows how hard work, dedication and the relentless pursuit of excellence pay off.
• With his remarkable achievements and unwavering determination, Ruotolo is well on his way to leaving a lasting legacy in the world of submission grappling.

Kade Ruotolo: Career

Grappling Journey Highlights (2020-2021)

• In November 2020, Kade Ruotolo made waves in the grappling world by dominating the Combat Jiu-Jitsu Lightweight World Championships.
• He secured victories over four opponents in a single night, culminating in a memorable buggy choke submission over PJ Barch in the finals. This remarkable finish earned him the prestigious “Submission of the Year” award at the Jitsmagazine 2020 BJJ Awards.
• His success continued in 2021 as he triumphed in the 77kg class of the ADCC North American East Coast Trials and secured a coveted spot in the 2022 ADCC World Championships.
• Ruotolo’s flying d’arce choke finish against Joshua Dawson at the Trials further cemented his status and earned him another award as “Submission of the Year” at the Jitsmagazine 2021 BJJ Awards.
• In preparation for the ADCC World ChampionshipRuotolo faced Roberto Jimenez at Road to ADCC in July 2021. Although he was forced to submit in that fight with a rear-naked choke, it was a valuable learning experience for the young wrestler.
• Later, in September 2021, Ruotolo competed in the Who’s Number One Championships, where he emerged victorious and became the first lightweight champion.

ONE Championship and beyond (2022-2023)

March 2021 marked an important milestone in Ruotolo’s career when he signed a contract with ONE Championship along with his brother.

This agreement paved the way for them to move into submission grappling and eventually make their MMA debut. Ruotolo’s debut fight at ONE 157 saw him face the experienced Shinya Aoki, which he won by unanimous decision.

The highlight of Ruotolo’s grappling career was the 2022 ADCC World Championship. He took part in the 77kg classhe made history by becoming the youngest competitor to win gold. His victory over Michael Galvao In the final, he demonstrated his skills and determination, cementing his place among the grappling elite.

In October 2022, Ruotolo met Uali Kurzhev for the first ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship.

Although Kurzhev did not meet the weight requirement, Ruotolo showed his skills by forcing Kurzhev to submit with a heel hook, winning the title and making history as the first ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion.

Kade Ruotolo: Promotion

Kade Ruotolo advertised Jocko Fuel energy drinks and vitamin tablets on his Instagram account.

Continued dominance and future prospects (from 2024)

Ruotolo’s success continued into 2024, with notable victories including a successful title defense against Matheus Gabriel at ONE on Prime Video 5.

He further cemented his status as a dominant force in the sport by defending his title at ONE Fight Night 11 via decision against Tommy Langaker.

In the future, Ruotolo will defend his ONE title in lightweight submission grappling against Mikey Musumeci at ONE 168: Denver on September 6, 2024This upcoming fight promises to be an exciting clash between two of the most talented athletes in the sport.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts

Ruotolo announced in early 2023 that he wants to switch to mixed martial arts. The contract he signed with ONE Championship for grappling fights also includes provisions for MMA fights.

While the original plan to debut in 2023 did not come to fruition, Ruotolo confirmed that he would make his professional MMA debut in 2024.

Ruotolo’s journey into the MMA arena is set to begin with a highly anticipated fight against Blake Cooper at ONE 167 on June 7, 2024. This debut marks a new chapter in Ruotolo’s career as he looks to make his mark in the world of mixed martial arts.