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Kade Ruotolo entered his mixed martial arts debut with an aura of invincibility knowing he had an amazing group who had his back.
The reigning lightweight submission grappling world champion looked mighty impressive in four-ounce gloves, needing less than a round to put away Blake Cooper at ONE 167 last month.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Ruotolo credited his coaches behind the scenes, who also served as his cornermen in another career milestone for the 21-year-old.
"Yeah absolutely. I probably had the dopest corner you could ever ask for, for sure. Erik Paulson, Tyler Wombles, and my brother Tye Ruotolo. Can't ask for much more of a combo right there."
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Erik Paulson, of course, is a respected name in MMA circles, being the first American to win the World Light Heavyweight Shooto Championship in Japan.
Ruotolo spent a lot of time with Paulson down at CSW Martial Arts in Fullerton, California to refine his striking.
Then, there's Tyler Wombles, a California State kickboxing champion and undefeated MMA fighter who has trained several notable athletes at Classic Fight Team.
Last but certainly not the least, is Kade's constant brother-in-arms since day one, his twin and fellow ONE world champion Tye Ruotolo.
Watch Kade Ruotolo's full interview:
Kade Ruotolo confident he can end Mikey Musumeci's unbeaten run
After his spectacular MMA foray, Kade Ruotolo will first return to his first love and defend his lightweight submission grappling crown at ONE 168: Denver.
The youngest ADCC world champion will tussle against perhaps his most high-profile and most technical challenger yet, flyweight submission grappling king Mikey Musumeci.
While 'Darth Rigatoni' remains perfect in seven matches in the home of martial arts, Ruotolo is confident he can force him to yield when they cross paths.
The Atos superstar said in the same interview:
"I think I'll get the submission. I'd be lying if I said anything otherwise."
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena are available via Ticketmaster.
