"For my inner-self" - Kade Ruotolo on accepting champion vs champion clash with Mikey Musumeci

Kade Ruotolo is not the kind of competitor that turns down opponents whether it's in MMA or submission grappling.

The elite jiu-jitsu practitioner is always hunting down the biggest challenges and that's led him to pursue two careers at the same time.

Whilst he plans to make his new and exciting journey in mixed martial arts into his primary focus going forward, he isn't going to neglect his ONE lightweight submission grappling world championship especially when a dream fight comes across his table.

At ONE 168 on September 6, his lightweight crown will be on the line against one of the best in the world, Mikey Musumeci, who will be moving up several weight classes to make this clash happen.

In a recent interview with Cageside Press, Kade spoke about his motivation to take this match-up and how it was the right time for it which wouldn't necessarily be the case had he been offered a fight of this magnitude in mixed martial arts:

"If it was MMA, [against a really good guy] it'll probably be a lot harder to take that match-up [like the Mikey Musumeci one]. I know I could do it for my inner-self."

Watch the full interview below:

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Kade Ruotolo knows what this contest means for all parties

Kade Ruotolo has gone on the record multiple times in the past to state that he would be open to facing Mikey Musumeci if the weight gap between them could be closed.

The lightweight champion isn't looking to pick off smaller opponents but in Musumeci, he faces a fellow world champion who has accomplished even more than he has.

It was an offer that Kade couldn't refuse considering how big this match is for the sport of submission grappling.

Having it take place in the co-main event of ONE Championship's return to the United States only makes it even more exciting.

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