“If not by the end of the year” - Tye Ruotolo shares an ideal timeline for his MMA transition

After seeing his brother make the successful move from BJJ to MMA, reigning ONE world champion Tye Ruotolo is plotting his own move to mixed martial arts.

Sitting as the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion, Ruotolo is set to put his skills to the test once again when he welcomes 19-year-old newcomer Jozef Chen to the Circle at ONE Fight Night 23 on Friday, July 5.

Emanating from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Ruotolo will look to keep his 'O' intact against one of the sport's most exciting prospects.

Speaking with Sportskeeda MMA ahead of his return to the Circle, Tye Ruotolo spoke about his inevitable move to four-ounce gloves and when fight fans can expect to see that happen.

"That's the plan for sure, you know," Ruotolo said. "If not by the end of the year, then for sure January. But yeah, in the next few months, I want to be making my debut here, you know, sooner than later."

ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE Fight Night 23 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime on Friday, July 5.

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Tye Ruotolo will try to follow in the footsteps of his twin brother, Kade Ruotolo

After amassing his own successful run in ONE's submission grappling division, Tye Ruotolo's twin brother Kade Ruotolo made his MMA debut at ONE 167 last month, going toe-to-toe with American standout Blake Cooper—brother of two-time PFL champion Ray Cooper III.

Though he looked undeniably green on the feet, Kade Ruotolo was more than capable of getting the job done on the mat—and that's exactly what he did. Ruotolo scored a submission victory at the 3:20 mark of the opening round, setting the stage for what could be the beginning of a history-making run in combat sports.

Will Tye Ruotolo find the same success as his brother when it's his turn to test out his skills in MMA?