At the age of 21, rising Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Kade Ruotolo is poised to make his MMA debut at ONE 167, signaling a shift into new territory. With an established track record in grappling, Ruotolo aspires to transcend his identity as a jiu-jitsu specialist and cement his status as one of the most esteemed martial artists of all time. His six notable victories at ONE Championship set the stage for his highly-anticipated debut against Blake Cooper.
Despite his youth, Ruotolo exhibits unwavering determination to leave an indelible mark on the MMA world. Acknowledging the challenges associated with transitioning to a different discipline, he embraces the adrenaline rush that accompanies this uncharted territory. His forthcoming encounter with Cooper, a proficient wrestler with two MMA triumphs, promises a captivating showdown, and Ruotolo is fully prepared to showcase his skills in the octagon.
Looking ahead, Ruotolo has already scheduled his next bout, where he will defend his Lightweight Submission Grappling championship against Mikey Musumeci at ONE 170 in September. While remaining steadfast in his dedication to jiu-jitsu, Ruotolo admits to nurturing a newfound passion for MMA, reveling in the opportunities for continuous growth and learning through his training.
In readiness for his MMA debut, Ruotolo has adapted to a distinct training regimen, placing increased emphasis on striking and sparring while still integrating jiu-jitsu to strike an optimal balance. He recognizes the unique cardiovascular and physical demands inherent in each sport, highlighting the pivotal role of conditioning in excelling in the octagon.
Moreover, Ruotolo harbours aspirations of eventually challenging Christian Lee, the reigning lightweight champion, for the title. His ardour and resolute commitment to making a profound impact in MMA are palpable as he eagerly embraces the uncertainties that coincide with each bout.
In parallel with Ruotolo’s debut, the forthcoming UFC card in Abu Dhabi is poised to deliver an exhilarating lineup of matchups, including the highly-anticipated return of Nick Diaz to the octagon. Featuring a compelling main event starring Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov, alongside other captivating contests, the UFC’s August card is primed to captivate fight enthusiasts across the globe.
As the realm of MMA continues to undergo evolution, the ascent of young talents such as Kade Ruotolo and the resurgence of seasoned veterans like Nick Diaz contribute to the mounting excitement and anticipation surrounding the sport. With a host of thrilling contests on the horizon, the stage is set for a captivating summer of mixed martial arts.