"Jiu-jitsu becomes easier" - Kade Ruotolo feels like an 'invincible' grappler after triumphant MMA debut

ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo's confidence is at an all-time high ahead of his next title defense at ONE 168: Denver.

After all, the 21-year-old prodigy did what he set out to do and conquered the MMA realm when he donned the four-ounce gloves for the first time at ONE 167 last June.

Ruotolo barely broke a sweat when he mopped the floor with Blake Cooper and forced him to submit in less than a round.

Speaking to ONE Championship in an exclusive interview, he said that the experience in the realm of mixed martial arts has boosted his morale and made him an even more dangerous grappler. Kade Ruotolo shared:

"I feel a bit invincible as far as like a toughness scale. When you start taking punches, knees, and elbows, it's just like jiu-jitsu becomes so easy - or easier."

Kade Ruotolo says fans shouldn't count out his guard game against Mikey Musuemci

The world's largest martial arts organization will return to America on Sept. 6 for the highly anticipated ONE 168: Denver, which goes down at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

Kade Ruotolo will take on reigning flyweight submission grappling king Mikey Musumeci, who is out for two-division supremacy.

'Darth Rigatoni,' of course, is known for his attacking guard, while Ruotolo thrives with his slick passing techniques and suffocating top control.

However, the lightweight king says he's also ready if the roles will be reversed. He told ONE:

"If I am on my back, I probably am gonna do a little bit more than just the average half-guard and figure out some way to get on the leg or get up."

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster.