“It's not like I'm completely new to the game” - Kade Ruotolo says he has experience training his strikes

US-born athlete Kade Ruotolo is carving his legacy in the hallowed halls of all-time greats in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Ruotolo also has his eyes on making his MMA debut.

Kade Ruotolo had a legendary 2022. The 19-year-old grappling prodigy earned the ONE lightweight submission grappling world championship at ONE on Prime Video 3. Earlier this year, he became an ADCC world champion and set the record for being the youngest to ever do so.

Ruotolo has had incredible success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but he still wants to make his debut and compete in MMA. He won’t be a total newcomer, though, as he had some experience training in Muay Thai starting at 12 years old.

In an interview with ONE Championship, he explained:

"I believe I've been training jiu-jitsu my entire life, obviously, that's my strong suit. However, I do love striking. It's not like I'm just now picking it up. Over the years, I'm striking, I think we were about 12 years old. We were training a bit of Muay Thai for a couple of years. I have a bit in me, it's not like I'm completely new to the game, and I'm falling in love with it every day."

He added that once he enters the ONE circle, he is looking to make history:

"It's very new to me, and jiu-jitsu, not that I don't love it, of course, but it's like, I've been doing it my entire life. I'm learning every day and it's refreshing. I'm just going to keep refining my skills. And I do believe the second step in that Circle, I'm going to make some big waves for sure."

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Kade Ruotolo wants to be a two-sport world champion

The grappling prodigy has always wanted to compete in MMA as well as submission grappling. Earlier this year, just after his grappling victory over former ONE lightweight world champion Shinya Aoki, Ruotolo explained his ambition.

In an exclusive interview with ONE Championship, Kade Ruotolo said:

"Without a doubt I want to be a multiple belt holder, for sure. A double champ if I can, not just in jiu-jitsu scene but in MMA too. I just want to be considered one of the GOATs."

If Kade Ruotolo is looking to become an all-time great in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is already well on his way and has had a great start to this goal. To be a GOAT in MMA, starting at age 19, with the background he has, it's certainly possible.