“They're giving me so much confidence” - Kade Ruotolo gives props to team for helping him become an MMA fighter

Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion turned mixed martial artist Kade Ruotolo of the United States is quickly turning out to be MMA's next big star.

But the 21-year-old Atos jiu-jitsu product says he wouldn't be where he's at in his career without the help from those around him.

Addressing the media at the official ONE 169 press conference backstage, Ruotolo gave credit to his team for his latest victory, which includes twin brother Tye Ruotolo, the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion.

The Californian said:

"First of all, props to God, as well as my coaches, I really wouldn't have been able to do this without my coaches, Tyler Wombles, Eric Paulson, and my brother. They're giving me so much confidence on the feet, and changing me as a fighter every single day."

Ruotolo delivered an epic performance at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video last weekend, where he improved to a pristine 2-0 in his MMA career after submitting Pakistan's 'Wolverine' Ahmed Mujtaba in the second round with his signature D'Arce choke.

ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video took place live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday, November 9. Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action via replay on-demand with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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Kade Ruotolo showcased improved striking in Ahmed Mujtaba win: "I'm super stoked that right hand clicked"

Lightweight submission grappling king Kade Ruotolo may have secured the tap from Ahmed Mujtaba at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, but not before decking 'Wolverine' with a hellacious overhand right early in the fight.

He told the media he was 'super stoked' to prove his striking is up to speed:

"Yeah, humbly speaking, I don't think so. You know, I'm very confident. I think I can take anyone on in the division. You know, the last fight was more of a jiu-jitsu finish, and I wanted to show that I got some hands too, you know. I'm super stoked that right hand clicked. I got the knockdown. Probably could have finished it there. But I just couldn’t resist the D'Arce opportunity. It's always there. So, yeah, I was super stoked for sure."

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Kade Ruotolo's next fight.