Kade Ruotolo says reason for MMA switch is to build on budding legacy: "To become one of the best martial artists of all time"

ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo recently explained the reason for his switch to MMA.

The 21 year-old feels super amped up about fighting in his second MMA match of the year at ONE 169, to face Pakistani veteran Ahmed Mujtaba at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fueled by another quick victory, Kade believes he's on his way to becoming a legitimate threat in the MMA circuit.

To add to that, with Mujtaba as his next dance partner on Nov. 8, he senses that he's being taken a lot more seriously as a contender to the lightweight throne. Suffice it to say, that's exactly where Kade wants to be.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Kade said:

"It was a question that I couldn't even answer honestly a year ago. But this year I finally, at the beginning of the year, I was really almost not lost. But I didn't exactly understand what I wanted to be known for, you know? As far as legacy goes.

Ruotolo added:

"I was really sitting back thinking that was actually, when I found God, started going to church a bit and it really, you know helped me as far as clarity goes, and I realized like, I'm not just trying to become the best of jiu-jitsu. I decided I want to become one of the best martial artists of all time."

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"He didn't look like a debutant"- Chatri Sityodtong lauds Kade Ruotolo for delivering one of the best MMA debuts in promotion history

Kade Ruotolo is not the only person who's happy he transitioned into mixed martial arts. ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong was beyond impressed by Kade's ability to surpass expectations with a triumphant debut.

We all knew that Kade had the potential to make his debut into a real dogfight. But the moment he stepped into the cage, he showed that he was entirely on a different level after securing a first-round submission against Blake Cooper at ONE 167.

Describing Kade's first attempt at mixed martial arts, the lifelong martial artist told ONE:

"I thought for his MMA debut, it's probably the greatest MMA debuts. He didn't look like a debutant, that's for sure."

Watch Kade Ruotolo go guns blazing this Friday at ONE 169, which will air live in North America on Prime Video.