Kade and Tye Ruotolo Preparing for MMA Debut

“It’s definitely happening this year”

Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.

Kade Ruotolo on an MMA debut this year for ONE Championship: “It’s going to happen”

Kade Ruotolo is planning on making his MMA debut in the very near future for ONE Championship.

And the MMA debut of his brother Tye Ruotolo won’t be far behind.

“It’s definitely happening this year,” said Kade Ruotolo. “And it’s definitely going to be in the near future. Tye is competing in ADCC [Submission Fighting World Championship in August], so he’ll be after me. This year, it’s going to happen.”

Kade Ruotolo / ONE Championship

The 21-year-old Ruotolo twins have the potential to be the biggest MMA stars in ONE, and both are in action tomorrow on ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video. Kade is ONE’s reigning Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion, and he competes in a non-title bout against Francisco Lo. That is a 180-pound catchweight submission grappling match, while his brother Tye makes the first defense of his Welterweight Submission Grappling World Championship against Izaak Michell.

“We have two tough guys in front of us,” said Tye. “But everyone is beatable, so we’ll look to exploit their weaknesses. I’ve got a gnarly opponent in front of me. I asked for Izaak, and I got him. It’s on, and I’m ready to take it to him.”

The fight takes place tomorrow at Lumpinee Stadium, where it will stream live in primetime on Prime Video in the United States and Canada. It marks the first ONE card where both Ruotolo brothers will compete since their organizational debut in May of 2022 at ONE 157.

“We prefer it this way,” said Kade. “And my brother gives great advice.”

“Can’t let your brother go into battle alone,” said Tye, who is six minutes older than his brother. “Plus, we can relax and eat and hang out together after the fight.”

Tye Ruotolo / Courtesy ONE Championship

When asked about the advice he shared with his brother ahead of this fight, Tye shared that it revolved around blocking out distractions.

“At the end of the day, all of this is mental,” said Tye. “The travel is mental. The way you’re feeling, it’s mental. Everything is mental. So when fight day comes, nothing else matters.”

“That’s the advice I hold on to dearly,” added Kade. “No distractions. Treat it like life or death. So why would I worry about anything else? That’s how we treat it. And it’s smart because look at my fight. People in the jiu jitsu know Francisco a gamer. He’s a sniper. This is the most challenging opponent I’ve had in ONE, so I need to be fully focused.”

Both opponents will present significant obstacles for the Ruotolos. Yet they are planning to keep their records pristine, exiting Lumpinee with two more victories.

“We expect the hardest challenges,” said Kade. “In order to win, we have to be the best version of ourselves. That is what we’re planning on doing.”

---

Ronda Rousey still unwilling to credit Holly Holm

Ronda Rousey still won’t credit Holly Holm.

Despite Holm defeating her in emphatic fashion by knockout in 2015, Rousey is still offering excuses as to why the fight did not end in her favor.

Ronda Rousey: I know, that like, I'm the greatest fighter that has ever lived.pic.twitter.com/J9EbAcF4Lz

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) April 3, 2024

In a sport as dangerous and volatile as MMA, knockouts happen. Rousey is one of the all-time greats. She should be above excuses, especially when she lost to Holm, who will end her career as a Hall of Famer in boxing in MMA and boxing.

No one should discredit Rousey’s remarkable feats in the sport. Similarly, she did not discredit those who defeated her.