“I Heard a Huge Pop in My Knee”: ONE Champion Kade Ruotolo Recalls ACL Tear Before MMA Return

Adversity tests champions, and Kade Ruotolo has overcome his toughest challenge outside the ring. The reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion will make his fourth MMA appearance against Hiroyuki Tetsuka in a lightweight clash at The Inner Circle on 15 May, streaming live on live.onefc.com.

The 23-year-old American phenom represents one of submission grappling's generational talents, carrying a 29-3 overall BJJ record alongside his ONE Championship gold. After conquering submission grappling and defending his title multiple times, Ruotolo transitioned to MMA with devastating effectiveness.

His 3-0 MMA record features three first-round submissions, showcasing how seamlessly elite grappling translates when combined with developing striking skills. However, days after his last fight against Nicolas Vigna in February 2025, disaster struck during training.

Ruotolo revealed he suffered a serious knee injury during a takedown scramble that produced an unmistakable sound signaling catastrophic damage. The diagnosis confirmed his worst fears about the severity of the injury.

"I ended up just doing like a really weird tweak in my knee off of a takedown scramble, and I just heard a huge pop in my knee, boom, and I knew it was serious. And then it ended up being the ACL full tear," Ruotolo said.

The complete ACL tear sidelined the lightweight champion for an extended rehabilitation period, forcing him away from competition during his MMA momentum's peak. Now fully recovered, Ruotolo returns ready to reassert his dominance against a dangerous veteran.

"I think it's pretty obvious he's got a very strong frame, so he's an explosive and strong fighter. He's got some density in his punches it looks like, like hitting the body and the head as well with that overhand," he said.

Despite respecting Tetsuka's striking threats, Ruotolo believes his own stand-up skills have evolved significantly. The submission specialist wouldn't be surprised if he lands a spectacular knockout blow while pursuing takedowns.

"I do believe that my tools have been coming along. I wouldn't be surprised at all in the midst of me trying to take him down and get him to the ground, I land a big shot, big head kick or whatever like that," he declared.