"Do it again as soon as possible" - Kade Ruotolo says he'll return to MMA after grappling superfight with Mikey Musumeci

Since arriving in ONE Championship, Kade Ruotolo has always had two major goals in mind. As one of the best submission grapplers in the world, he gets the opportunity to perform in his chosen field at the highest level on a big platform.

However, Kade was also motivated to sign with ONE because of the opportunities it could open up for him, including a transition into MMA.

The ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion is already off to a strong start after winning his pro debut via submission at ONE 167.

While he plans to gradually dedicate more of his time to mixed martial arts, submission grappling became his main focus after his clash with Blake Cooper. At ONE 168, he will head to the Ball Arena in Denver to defend his lightweight crown in a grappling super fight against Mikey Musumeci.

In a recent interview with Cageside Press, Ruotolo made it perfectly clear that his priority will shift right back to MMA once all is said and done on September 6, regardless of who the promotion offers him:

"The main thing is we should try to do it again as soon as possible. I told the whole ONE team, I don't care who it is, just try to get me a matchup ASAP."

He added:

"I've already signed on my end, against whoever it is."

Watch the full interview below:

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Kade Ruotolo is taking things step by step

Kade Ruotolo knows that achieving the right balance going forward is important for his continued progress in MMA.

He doesn't want to neglect his lightweight submission grappling world championship or the sport that he has dedicated the majority of his life to. But, with big ambitions for his journey in mixed martial arts, Kade is preparing to go all in whilst continuing to compete in grappling from time to time.

September 6 could mark his pendulum swing, where MMA becomes the primary focus.

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available here via Ticketmaster.