Kade Ruotolo To Face Ahmed Mujtaba In Lightweight MMA Return At ONE 169 

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Reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo is in wonderland after another phenomenal year in ONE Championship - and it isn't over for him just yet as he is set to return to MMA next month.

ONE Championship announced earlier this week that the American superstar faces Ahmed Mujtaba in a lightweight MMA battle at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Saturday, 9 November, inside Bangkok, Thailand's Lumpinee Stadium.

Ruotolo made a name for himself in the submission grappling world, picking up accolades wherever he went. The youngest ADCC World Champion in history then brought his talents to ONE in May 2022, and he's been unstoppable ever since.

His first six battles in ONE fell under submission grappling rules. Unsurprisingly, he toppled all foes, including notable names in former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Shinya Aoki and fierce rival Tommy Langaker on two occasions. Plus he won the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title.

The Atos product's heart still lies in the grappling arts, but his desire to be the greatest burned too bright to stay still in one sport. Instead, the daring dueler decided to try his hand at MMA this past June at ONE 167.

That night, the 21-year-old steamrolled Blake Cooper at Impact Arena in the first round - naturally submitting his compatriot with a signature rear-naked choke after showing his striking potential on the feet, too.

But as Ruotolo continues to evolve, the level of his opposition will as well. Mujtaba meets that criteria, and he'd love to bring the American's momentum to a dead end and shock the combat sports world next month.

"Wolverine" is no stranger to ONE Championship. The Pakistani punisher arrived in 2016, creating a reputation as a versatile combatant due to his ability to hang with many on the feet and on the ground.

Previously, he scored back-to-back victories with a knockout over Rahu Rajul before stunning BJJ black belt Abraao Amorim with a first-round triangle choke to show his true level. Recently, though, Mujtaba has struggled to regain that form.

But he'll take solace in having shared the ring with decorated finisher Halil Amir, and he'll hope the third time is certainly the charm as he looks to catch the biggest win of his career over the accomplished Ruotolo.

There is plenty up for grabs for both competitors. For Ruotolo, it's another chance to show he's not just a one-trick pony. Meanwhile, Mujtaba could regain form in the biggest fight of his life. So it's fair to say you should stay seated when they collide at ONE 169.