“He’s a big inspiration to me” - Kade Ruotolo wants to become a ‘true martial artist’ like his MMA mentor Erik Paulson

Kade Ruotolo is grateful for true OGs like Erik Paulson, who paved the way for young fighters like him in mixed martial arts. It was certainly a no-brainer decision for the reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion to learn under the combat sports pioneer at CSW Training Center when he made his transition to MMA.

While the 21-year-old admits he still has a long way to go to mimic a fraction of Paulson's success and influence, he's just grateful to be around a true martial artist.

Kade Ruotolo shared how his coach inspires him to be great in an interview with MMA Junkie:

"So that's really my goal, you know. My coach, Erik Paulson, he's a true martial artist. He knows everything every type of judo, jiu-jitsu, boxing, wrestling. He knows it all. I want to be like him for sure. He’s a big inspiration to me so that’s the goal…is become a full martial artist."

Ruotolo has been around terrific mentors throughout his martial arts journey. The Atos standout received his BJJ black belt under the legendary Andre Galvao.

Now, the San Diego, California native has been absorbing every bit of knowledge he could get from Paulson, who's regarded as the first American to win the World Light Heavyweight Shooto Championship in Japan.

Watch Ruotolo's interview in its entirety:

Kade Ruotolo unbothered by Ahmed Mujtaba's strengths

Kade Ruotolo will once again have Erik Paulson by his side in his upcoming sophomore MMA appearance.

The youngest ADCC world champion will duke it out with Pakistani star Ahmed Mujtaba at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8 inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

In the same interview with MMA Junkie, Ruotolo revealed that he only scouted 'Wolverine' a few times and instead focused on working on his skills in training camp.

"Watched a couple of clips, just to kind of see what his go-to punches are and things like that. But, you know, honestly, the focus has been on me as far as what I’m going to do."

Prime Video subscribers in North America can watch ONE 169 free of charge as it happens live in US Primetime.