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The first world title defense of Kade Ruotolo's ONE lightweight submission grappling world was against Matheus Gabriel in December 2022 at ONE on Prime Video 5, which took place inside the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
Ruotolo's masterful performance was posted by ONE Championship on their YouTube channel, and they wrote its caption:
"BJJ phenom Kade Ruotolo put his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title on the line for the first time against Brazilian star Matheus Gabriel at ONE on Prime Video 5!"
The Atos representative failed to get a finish against the Brazilian BJJ black belter, but he was able to threaten with two major submissions with a heel hook and a knee bar. Gabriel was able to weather the storm and survived until the end of the 10-minute match.
These near finishes were enough to award him the unanimous decision victory for a successful championship defense and extended his unbeaten streak.
Following that win over Gabriel, the 21-year-old submission grappling phenom added two more world title defenses, as he defeated Tommy Langaker twice in back-to-back matches in June 2023 at ONE Fight Night 11 and in January 2024 at ONE 165, both were via unanimous decision wins.
Kade Ruotolo to face Ahmed Mujtaba in a lightweight MMA clash at ONE 169
On Nov. 8, Ruotolo makes his second appearance in mixed martial arts, and he will face Ahmed Mujtaba in a lightweight contest as part of the loaded ONE 169, which emanates inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The American submission specialist looks to extend his immaculate run to eight under the world's largest martial arts organization. He made his MMA debut in June 2024 at ONE 167 and made quick work of Blake Ruotlo with a first-round submission finish.
