ONE Championship: Tye Ruotolo Teases MMA Debut After World Title Defence, Calls Out Rising Phenom

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Tye Ruotolo means business. The ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion successfully defended his title against arch-rival Dante Leon in the trilogy fight at the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 31.

On 3 May, the reigning champion faced his opponent head-on and relentlessly pushed forward for 10 minutes. Ruotolo dominated with top control, putting pressure to get the submission but was unable to secure one.

The 22-year-old, however, managed to get a unanimous decision nod from judges, taking a 2-1 lead in their rivalry. After defending his title, Ruotolo stated he felt he dominated Leon. However, he acknowledged that his time away from competition due to injury played a role early on in the fight.

"Felt like I kind of smashed him pretty good, but I didn't get the sub. That's what I always come to do. I felt like I had a little bit of 'ring rust' I had to shake off. But I definitely feel like I got a dominant win," Tye said.

Since his ONE debut in 2022, Ruotolo has demolished all his eight opponents and is now ready to claim two-sport glory. Just like his brother and ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo, who is 3-0 in MMA, Tye is likely to make his MMA debut soon.

When asked about his potential MMA debut, Ruotolo replied that things are moving in the right direction. He also acknowledged that rising ONE superstar Adrian Lee, who is 3-0 in MMA, could be his first opponent.

"Very soon. Just working on some logistics side of things, but I can't wait to scrap it. I'm ready to go. The Lee fight sounds interesting. Adrian Lee for the debut would be awesome. I don't really care, that's one that ONE kind of sent my way," Tye said.

"Whoever they want to throw at my way, I'm ready for Adrian, I don't really have anyone in mind. That's the first one they threw at me, so that's the first name I'm sticking with. I'm ready to go, I'm excited to scrap, for sure."