“He’s an absolute legend” - Kade Ruotolo reveals of his deep friendship with surfing legend Kelly Slater

If there's one fighter in the ONE Championship roster that truly embodies the laidback surfer ethos, it's Kade Ruotolo.

The reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion is the personification of California's chill vibe, and a huge part of that personality is thanks to Kelly Slater.

The surfing legend is a record 11-time World Surf League champion and is widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time.

Slater is also a close friend and mentor to Ruotolo.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani at The MMA Hour, Ruotolo revealed his deep friendship with Slater.

Kade Ruotolo said Slater often wrote to him and his twin brother Tye, the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion, whenever they fought under the ONE Championship banner.

He said:

"Oh yeah, it's been quite some time, but he's an absolute legend. He still writes us all the time after our fights and he's been meaning to come to one of them. So, it would be really rad if he could come."

On top of his surfing world titles, Slater also received the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award four times.

As for Ruotolo, the American star heads to arguably the most important submission grappling match of the year.

Ruotolo will defend his throne against ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci at ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena.

Tickets for the card are available at Ticketmaster.

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Kade Ruotolo gunning for a submission finish against Mikey Musumeci

While he and Mikey Musumeci share an almost friendly relationship, Kade Ruotolo is determined to come away with a submission finish in Denver.

Ruotolo told Helwani in the same interview that it would be submission or bust once he's locked inside the Circle with Musumeci.

He said:

"I think I'll get the submission. I'd be lying if I said anything otherwise."

Watch the entire interview below: