Kade Ruotolo says he could fight at lightweight, featherweight when he makes MMA transition

Kade Ruotolo has had a breakout year in 2022 but could be set for another huge year in 2023. After becoming the youngest-ever ADCC world champion at just 19 years old, Ruotolo became the inaugural ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion.

After winning the world title with a submission victory over Uali Kurzhev at ONE on Prime Video 3, Ruotolo made a quick turnaround to pick up his first title defense at ONE on Prime Video 5.

Defeating Matheus Gabriel via unanimous decision after dominating the contest, Kade Ruotolo spoke in his post-event press conference about the future of his career in ONE.

Both the Ruotolo twins have spoken about transitioning to MMA with ONE Championship. Speaking about his plans going forward, Kade Ruotolo said:

"For the submission grappling, I reckon I'll try to defend this belt as much as I can. Stay here for now, especially now that my brother is a division above me, possibly, taking on all the big guys right now. As far as MMA goes, I reckon I'll be fighting about 170. Possibly even get down to 155 too, we'll see. But yeah, honestly, we'll see with time for sure."

Watch the full press conference below:

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ONE Championship suggests next opponents for Kade Ruotolo, fans react

ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo successfully defended his world title for the first time at ONE on Prime Video 5 with a decision win against Matheus Gabriel.

The 19-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu prodigy played into ONE’s submission-oriented grappling ruleset and fought very offensively against his opponent with waves of submission threats.

After his win over Gabriel, ONE posted a photo of two potential challengers for Ruotolo in Tainan Dalpra and Tommy Langaker. The youngest-ever ADCC winner had previously called out both men when he won the world title, and he made the same statement at ONE on Prime Video 5.

Fans commented on the post to give their take on who they want to see Ruotolo face next time he steps inside the circle.

Comments on who Kade Ruotolo should fight next | Image courtesy of ONE

A user, @g.avados, pointed out that whilst Dalpra is considered a top pound-for-pound jiu-jitsu player in the Gi, he lacks experience competing in No Gi:

"Never seen Tainan do no-gi, I would love to see him put a few months into a camp"

ONE CEO and Chairman Chatri Sityodtong and former ONE flyweight submission grappling world title challenger Cleber Sousa could only express their feelings through emoji:

"🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥"

One of the men called out, Tommy Langaker, commented on the post himself, seemingly asking for the fight to happen:

"LFG🔥"