FREE FULL FIGHT: Kade Ruotolo claims inaugural lightweight submission grappling strap in dominant win over Uali Kurzhev

American grappling ace Kade Ruotolo began his reign as ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion with an impressive submission victory over Russian Uali Kurzkev two years ago for the inaugural belt. He has been stellar as a world title holder since.

The venue was ONE on Prime Video 3 at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with Ruotolo making his second outing in ONE Championship against a decorated judoka in Kurzhev.

The then-19-year-old Atos standout did not take long to buckle down to work and take on the challenge of the sambo world champion. He took early control of the back of Kurzhev and tried to go for a choke.

However, the veteran Russian was able to fend off the attempts for a choke and successfully took the fight back on the feet. It, however, proved to be only short-lived as Kade Ruotolo was able to secure a takedown on a leg entanglement which he quickly turned into a deep inside heel hook.

Kurzhev tried desperately to defend himself from it and wiggle his way out but to no avail as the Califonia native put his full body weight on the hold and sent his opponent to tap at the 4:26 mark of their scheduled 10-minute title clash.

ONE Championship uploaded on Aug. 12 the full fight between Ruotolo and Kurzhev on its official YouTube channel for fight fans to look back to ahead of the reigning lightweight submission grappling king's scheduled title defense on Sept. 6 at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.

Check out the video below:

The impressive win not only earned Kade Ruotolo the lightweight submission grappling world title but also a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. He has since defended his world title three times.

Kade Ruotolo goes for a fourth successful title defense at ONE 168

ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo goes for a fourth successful title defense when he returns to action next month in the United States.

The 21-year-old Atos standout will defend his belt against reigning flyweight grappling king Mikey Musumeci in a super title fight, which will be the co-headlining match at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6, playing at the Ball Arena, home of the NBA's Nuggets squad.

It will be Kade Ruotolo's fourth defense of the belt he won in Oct. 2022, having retained it with victories over Matheus Gabriel of Brazil in Dec. 2022 and Tommy Langaker of Norway (back-to-back) in June 2023 and Jan. 2024.

Looking to end his reign while seeing his double champion aspirations realized is Mikey Musumeci, who like Ruotolo is undefeated in seven fights to date in ONE Championship.

ONE 168: Denver will be available live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Tickets for the event are sold on Ticketmaster.