“MMA is a whole different mountain to climb” - Kade Ruotolo envisions all-time greatness in new sport

Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion turned mixed martial artist Kade Ruotolo is having the time of his life after making his transition from 'the gentle art' to the all-encompassing art of MMA earlier this year.

Feeling as though he had accomplished everything he set out to do in jiu-jitsu, Ruotolo says the new challenges he faces in MMA have ignited his fire for competition once more.

Speaking to the media at the official ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video press conference, Ruotolo shared his thoughts on making the transition and what fans can expect from him in the future.

The 21-year-old California native said:

"Guaranteed, that’s the plan for sure [to become a world champion]. You know, one step at a time. I feel like in jiu-jitsu, I kind of climbed that mountain and MMA is a whole different mountain to climb. So one step at a time, especially towards next year. That’s my main goal, becoming a champion and building my legacy not just in jiu-jitsu."

Ruotolo made his MMA debut last June at ONE 167, scoring a first-round victory over fellow American Blake Cooper. Now, the Atos jiu-jitsu representative is set for his second MMA fight in the world's largest martial arts organization.

Kade Ruotolo to lock horns with Ahmed Mujtaba in lightweight MMA scrap at ONE 169 on Prime Video

Kade Ruotolo is set to square off with Ahmed Mujtaba in a three-round lightweight MMA bout at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video. The event broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 8.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.