“I honestly wanted to go back out and do it again” - Kade Ruotolo can’t wait for next MMA fight after stunning debut

Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo of the United States enjoyed himself in his professional mixed martial arts debut last weekend, so much so that he wants to do it all again as soon as possible.

Ruotolo stepped into the Circle for the very first time as an MMA fighter, and took on fellow American Blake Cooper of Hawaii at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video.

The action unfolded at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand last Saturday, June 8th.

After putting a little bit of his striking on display, Ruotolo went to his bread and butter, took Cooper down and strangled him with a rear-naked choke in the first round to force the tap.

Speaking at the official ONE 167 post-event press conference, Ruotolo addressed the media and said he couldn't wait for his next fight.

The 21-year-old phenom stated:

"To be honest, I’m so urgent to get right back to the MMA realm, to be honest with you. I had so much fun out there tonight, I feel like if I was to go out and do it again, I honestly wanted to go back out and do it again."

Ruotolo earned a U.S. $50,000 bonus for his efforts.

A replay of ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II is available on-demand via Amazon Prime Video.

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What's next for Kade Ruotolo?

ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo is set to return to the grappling arena when he takes on flyweight submission grappling king 'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci.

The two lock horns at ONE 168: Denver, in ONE Championship's highly anticipated on-ground return to the continental U.S.

The event takes place live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday, September 6th.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video.