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ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong knew a dream match between arguably two of the best grapplers in the world today would generate a massive buzz around the world.
After insistent public demand, the world's largest martial arts organization set up a grappling superfight between ONE lightweight submission grappling kingpin Kade Ruotolo against flyweight world champion Mikey Musumeci.
This epic showdown certainly has all the makings of an instant classic and will aptly take place in the promotion's return to the United States at ONE 168: Denver.
In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Sityodtong talked about the magnitude of this match, which has already garnered a ton of interest from the BJJ community:
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"Even the Mikey vs Kade in Denver for grappling is taking the jiu-jitsu world by storm. People are so pumped for that fight, people around the world can't believe Mikey is moving up three weight divisions to face Kade."
ONE, meanwhile, is all about pitting elite talents against each other. Given both athletes' brilliant mastery of BJJ, this Ruotolo versus Musumeci scrap will undoubtedly embody what 'The Gentle Art' is all about.
Sityodtong, for one, expects nothing but fireworks come ONE 168. The promotion's head honcho added:
"They are two of the most exciting jiu-jitsu world champions on the planet."
Watch Chatri Sityodtong's full interview with SCMP MMA:
Follow this link for tickets to ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena.
Kade Ruotolo expects Mikey Musumeci to hunt for his legs
While Kade Ruotolo will enjoy a massive size advantage against Mikey Musumeci, he knows it's unwise to write off 'Darth Rigatoni'.
After all, the Evolve MMA standout has one of the most intricate leg lock systems in the game.
Ruotolo, in an interview on the Talk-Jitsu Podcast, said he is confident that he can withstand Musumeci's tricky guard and leg-hunting tendencies.
"In the most respectful way possible, I think that his only chance [to win] is to get onto my legs and maybe transition to a possible backtake or something. I think he's banking on some footlock, or some heelhooks, or straight foot locks."
