Tommy Langaker dreams of facing Kade Ruotolo in Europe if ONE Championship goes there

Norwegian grappling star Tommy Langaker dreams of facing Kade Ruotolo in Europe, but only if it’s on the cards for ONE Championship.

Langaker is currently feeling on top of the world after making quick work of former ONE lightweight submission grappling world title contender Uali Kurzhev at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video. Needing less than three minutes to submit his opponent, when it took Kade four minutes, Langaker is optimistic he’s earned a shot at the world title.

Speaking to SCMP MMA about the possibility of fighting for the belt in his own backyard instead of North America, the Norwegian star said:

“I would love to go to Europe, that would be a blast, and have the first fight in the European circuit. But I’m down for whatever. I don’t have the schedule yet for where ONE is going but I would love to wherever to be honest. States, but preferably Europe, that would be good.”

Watch the full interview below:

Without a doubt, Tommy Langaker will be Kade Ruotolo’s strongest opponent to date. A two-time IBJJF medalist in his own right, the prolific finisher dominated the European circuit under the tutelage of the Mendes brothers in the US and Jose Carlos from the famed Kimura Nova Uniao in Norway, before he joined ONE Championship last year.

In his promotional debut, Langaker proved the hype was real by defeating fellow black belt Renato Canuto by decision at ONE 160 in August 2022. Combined with a high-paced and high-aggression fighting style to match, Tommy Langaker would definitely give Kade Ruotolo a run for his money if they are to face each other in the US or in Europe this year.

---

Tommy Langaker thanks adversary Uali Kurzhev on social media post-ONE Fight Night 7 showdown

Tommy Langaker is now 2-0 in ONE Championship, all thanks to an incredible heel lock submission against Uali Kurzhev at ONE Fight Night 7.

A mutual rival of Kade Ruotolo, the four-time sambo world champion Uali Kurzhev hoped to redeem himself after falling short to the grappling king in October 2022. Regrettably, he met a similar fate on February 24 when Langaker locked in the leg lock within three minutes of the sounding bell.

Despite emerging victorious, the Kimura Nova Uniao representative took to Instagram to publicly thank his foe with the following message:

“No matter who we are up against , we must respect our adversary. I’m happy to get the job done in great fashion. Much respect to @uali_kurzhev for taking the match, he is a 4x world champ in sambo and I did not want to take any chances. Now I am aiming at that belt @onechampionship.”