ONE Fight Night 23 preview and predictions: Tye Ruotolo vs. Jozef Chen

Tye Ruotolo's welterweight submission grappling world title won't be on the line against Jozef Chen, but this could very well be his toughest test yet in ONE Championship.

The co-main event of ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov on Prime Video will feature two electric grappling savants in a 186-pound catchweight showdown this Friday, July 5, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tye Ruotolo certainly needs no introduction in the home of martial arts, notching a perfect 6-0 run against the elite of the elite.

No opponent has yet to find a way to stop the 21-year-old's avalanche of constant pressure. Ruotolo's creativity, tenacity, and overall grappling brilliance make him a fearsome match-up against anyone in the world.

Jozef Chen, though, believes he has the skills to give the youngest IBJJF black belt world champion a run for his money. The 19-year-old prodigy has blasted through the BJJ scene like a rocket, racking up massive accolades in a short amount of time.

Plus, his high-wire style will no doubt rival Ruotolo's signature frenetic pace.

As always, Sportskeeda MMA's ONE Championship squad has carefully analyzed this dream grappling showdown.

ONE Fight NIght 23 will air live in US primetime free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Vince Richards

This match will be all gas and no breaks. Tye Ruotolo and Jozef Chen are two of the most exciting submission grapplers on the planet today, and I see these young masters going at it right from the opening bell.

I expect either Ruotolo or Chen trying to use a trip or even a slam to take the match to the ground, and that’s just the initial explosion in this matchup. Chen will furiously try to take Ruotolo’s neck, while the ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion will look to isolate one of the 19-year-old phenom’s legs during the fight.

I see Ruotolo going for leg locks in this matchup, and maybe taking a heel hook or even a calf slicer finish.

Prediction: Tye Ruotolo by submission

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James De Rozario

Tye Ruotolo's offense will play a pivotal role in this tie, and that is where I see him racking up damage before he taps the debuting star.

Despite the quality that Chen brings to the global stage, it's hard to see him leaving the ONE world champion in situations where he'd be force to think outside the box.

Sure, the South African grappler has a brilliant way of breaking down rivals as seen in a couple of his last outings.

But his skills hasn't been put under the spotlight against someone as the ONE world champion. Given how things will pan out on Chen's end, I envision the Atos star immediately shooting for a takedown to set the tone of the contest.

After he's done having a go at one or two potential openings from the top, the American BJJ savant will go in with the kill from mount with something as simple as an arm-triangle or a sneaky lil' D'Arce choke.

Prediction: Tye Ruotolo via submission

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Ted Razon

Chen has underrated wrestling, with several sneaky takedowns at his disposal. I wouldn't be surprised if he somehow catches Ruotolo off guard and puts him on his back.

However, taking Ruotolo down is just half the battle. We've seen how dangerous the Atos stud off his back in his explosive finish of Marat Gafurov.

Chen, though, loves passing the guard using his dynamite athleticism. While this has worked against his previous opponents before, Ruotolo's agility could be a problem for him.

I see him getting caught in some leg entanglement, but the B-Team standout could likely survive given this is his team's bread and butter.

The moment Chen leaves his neck open for the taking, Ruotolo will clamp on that with his signature D'Arce choke from any position. While I think Chen will be able to survive Ruotolo's attempts, the welterweight king should get the edge through legitimate catches from the referee.

Prediction: Tye Rutolo via decision