ONE Fight Night 31: Tye Ruotolo Exudes Confidence Ahead Of Title Clash Against Dante Leon

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ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo is preparing for the biggest challenge of his professional career. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sensation will defend his crown against arch-rival Dante Leon on 3 May in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 31.

This will be Ruotolo's second title defence under the ONE banner at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The 22-year-old won the inaugural title by defeating Magomed Abdulkadirov, and the following year, he defended his strap against Australia's Izaak Michell.

What Ruotolo has achieved at just 22 years old takes other grapplers years to accomplish. The California native believes that he has more knowledge of the game than his older counterpart. But he didn't shy away from praising his opponent.

"I just think I know more jiu-jitsu than him in the sense where I've had more rolls than he's had. People say it all the time when they fight my brother and I. It's like they go to push us, and we're not there," Ruotolo said.

"And I know Dante, he's super good. He's super technical, but I know for a fact that when he's gonna go to push me, I'm not gonna be there. And, yeah, I think I'm just more creative and unpredictable."

The Atos representative and Leon will lock horns in a 10-minute submission grappling bout. The duo has previously faced each other twice in 15-minute bouts and is aware of each other's game and tactics.

Calling Ruotolo a versatile grappler would be an understatement. The young American has secured victories with the D'Arce choke, rear-naked choke, and armbar, and can decimate his opponents from top and back positions.

While he considers the Canadian a rough and tough athlete, Ruotolo plans to enter the title match with all guns blazing. The twin brother of Kade Ruotolo is convinced that the match will be quick as he plans for a submission win.

"[Leon is] explosive when he wants to be. He's flexible. As far as, like, an athlete goes, you build your own athlete, he's got a lot of attributes that you'd want for sure," Ruotolo said.

"I'm just gonna come in hot like I usually do. And, as long as I'm a good version of myself, I think the match is gonna be over pretty quick. Whether it's the head and arm choke or whether it's with a D'Arce or even a leg lock."