Latest news with #KadeRuotolo
USA Today
18-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ahead of ONE 171, Kade Ruotolo says love of MMA has 'fully surpassed' jiu-jitsu
Just how much does decorated jiu-jitsu ace Kade Ruotolo love mixed martial arts? Well, for starters, he makes more money from competing on the mats than he does in the cage – but that hasn't stopped him from embracing getting punched in the face. 'Technically I still get paid more to do jiu-jitsu than I do to fight MMA, so for me, it's not even about as much the financials as it is I just love to fight,' Ruotolo told MMA Junkie Radio. '… When I get hit in the face, it wakes me up and makes me want it more.' Ruotolo, 22, is gearing up for his third ONE Championship MMA appearance this Thursday when he meets undefeated Argentinian veteran Nicolas Vigna (7-0) in a lightweight bout at ONE 171 from Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar. The bout will mark Ruotolo's third MMA fight since making his professional debut last June, with his first two ending in first-round submission wins. Ruotolo said he felt the nerves entering his debut at ONE 167, where he defeated Blake Cooper with a face crank. Ruotolo said he didn't feel those same nerves and was 'just confident and ready' before making Ahmed Mutjaba tap out to a brabo choke in his second MMA appearance at ONE 169. While it's easy for Ruotolo (2-0) to lean on his jiu-jitsu in the cage, he said he's enjoying the process of learning the intricacies of MMA – such as using strikes to set up his grappling. At this point so early in his MMA, Ruotolo said his love of MMA has 'fully surpassed' jiu-jitsu. 'Without a doubt,' Ruotolo said. 'I love jiu-jitsu, it's been my entire life pretty much, but this is something new, and it's just refreshing for me. … I'm learning so much, it's just refreshing to be a student of the game again. I'm still a student of the game in jiu-jitsu, of course, but even more so in MMA. It's just been super refreshing and motivating to keep learning everything. As far as my passion goes, it couldn't be too much higher. I'm extremely motivated, and I love this sport with my whole heart.'
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MMA Junkie Radio #3541: Jason Jackson, Kade Ruotolo interviews, UFC Fight Night 251 recap
Monday's episode of MMA Junkie Radio with "Gorgeous" George and "Goze" is here. On Episode 3,541, the guys welcomed in a pair of fantastic guests: PFL's Jason Jackson and ONE Championship's Kade Ruotolo. The fellas also recapped the UFC Fight Night 251 event and more. Tune in! This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: MMA Junkie Radio #3541: Jason Jackson, Kade Ruotolo interviews, UFC Fight Night 251 recap
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grappling ace Kade Ruotolo books third MMA fight at ONE 171
The MMA evolution of Kade Ruotolo will continue next month as ONE Championship has booked the grappling ace for his third fight. On Wednesday, a promotion official informed MMA Junkie that Ruotolo will compete in a lightweight bout against undefeated Nicolas Vigna on Feb. 20 at ONE 171 from Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar. Ruotolo, who just turned 22 earlier this month, has made his name on the mats as a ONE submission grappling champion. So far, his top-notch Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills have translated well to fighting with a 2-0 start as a professional. The Hawaiian made his debut last June at ONE 167 and submitted Blake Cooper in the first round for a Performance of the Night bonus. Ruotolo followed up five months later with a display of power and an even quicker first-round submission of Ahmed Mutjaba last November at ONE 169 for another Performance bonus. In Vigna, Ruotolo will face an undefeated 34-year-old Argentine fighter with a 7-0 record. All seven of his fights, which have taken place in Argentina, have ended with finishes, including four submissions. Vigna will be making his ONE debut against Ruotolo. Grappling star Kade Ruotolo finally figured out reason behind MMA pursuit Kade Ruotolo def. Blake Cooper at ONE Championship 167: Best photos This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Grappling ace Kade Ruotolo books third MMA fight at ONE 171
USA Today
29-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Grappling ace Kade Ruotolo books third MMA fight at ONE 171
The MMA evolution of Kade Ruotolo will continue next month as ONE Championship has booked the grappling ace for his third fight. On Wednesday, a promotion official informed MMA Junkie that Ruotolo will compete in a lightweight bout against undefeated Nicolas Vigna on Feb. 20 at ONE 171 from Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar. Ruotolo, who just turned 22 earlier this month, has made his name on the mats as a ONE submission grappling champion. So far, his top-notch Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills have translated well to fighting with a 2-0 start as a professional. The Hawaiian made his debut last June at ONE 167 and submitted Blake Cooper in the first round for a Performance of the Night bonus. Ruotolo followed up five months later with a display of power and an even quicker first-round submission of Ahmed Mutjaba last November at ONE 169 for another Performance bonus. In Vigna, Ruotolo will face an undefeated 34-year-old Argentine fighter with a 7-0 record. All seven of his fights, which have taken place in Argentina, have ended with finishes, including four submissions. Vigna will be making his ONE debut against Ruotolo.
