“It’s a new age” - Kade Ruotolo says MMA pioneer Erik Paulson showed him a fresh take on leg locks

Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo of the United States is constantly learning, making improvements to his game despite having already accomplished so much in his young career.

Most recently, the 21-year-old BJJ black belt has been training with MMA pioneer Erik Paulson in preparation for his highly anticipated professional mixed martial arts debut next weekend. And Ruotolo says he has learned a lot from the veteran.

Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Ruotolo had this to say about Paulson:

"The first time I ever worked with Erik Paulson, we went to go over leg locks, right? And I’m thinking, man, in the most respectful way possible, it’s a new age."

It's hard to imagine that Ruotolo is just 21 years old, but the American star continues to improve every day.

Kade Ruotolo is set to lock horns with fellow American Blake Cooper at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video. The event broadcasts live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. It airs on Friday, June 7th, in U.S. primetime.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.

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Kade Ruotolo says brother Tye's MMA debut not far away: "Probably towards the end of this year"

Kade Ruotolo says twin brother Tye, the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion, will follow in his footsteps and make a pro-MMA debut sometime later this year.

The Ruotolo twins of jiu-jitsu are determined to leave their mark in mixed martial arts.

He told Karyn Bryant in a recent interview:

"100 percent, yeah, he’s going to be doing MMA. We’ll see after ADCC, that’s his next really big priority. But after that, probably towards the end of this year, I’m sure he’ll be making his MMA debut."