Tye Ruotolo isn’t making demands. He’s simply ready for whatever opportunity comes next. The 22-year-old reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion made clear during his post-fight interview at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, that he’s leaving matchmaking decisions in the hands of the ONE Championship leadership while maintaining his eagerness to compete against elite opposition. “That’s a good question. I keep saying wherever you guys want me, you know, wherever the fans, wherever Chatri wants me, I’m here to perform, you know. So yeah, wherever there’s a sick opportunity next, I’m ready to go,” Ruotolo told Nick Atkin inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena shortly after his first-round submission victory over Shozo Isojima. His comments came moments after earning his second consecutive US$50,000 performance bonus for extending his perfect MMA record to 2-0 with a rear-naked choke finish at 2: 26 of the opening round. Prior to earning the match-winning choke, Ruotolo showcased his stand-up tools against Isojima. The 22-year-old looked light on his feet as he sent high kicks and punch combinations that forced the Japanese slugger to restrategize. However, Isojima’s stand-up defense saw him hang on, but once the fight hit the canvas, the American punished him with his bread and butter to stay unbeaten in the organization. Watch his full interview with Nick Atkin here: Tye Ruotolo’s ultimate goal remains Christian Lee showdown Though Tye Ruotolo expressed flexibility about his next opponent, the American submission specialist has made no secret of his ultimate ambition: a showdown with reigning ONE lightweight and welterweight MMA world champion Christian Lee. During his post-fight exchange with Circle-side commentator Mitch Chilson, the submission grappling specialist declared his intentions clearly. “I want to get to the top as soon as possible. You know, I always say I don’t really plan on beating guys that I know I can beat. You know, I want to beat guys that really can be a challenge, and I’m excited to get to the top as quick as possible.” With the triumph at ONE 173, Ruotolo made it back-to-back submission wins in the discipline after debuting in style with a second-round victory over previously undefeated Singaporean-American talent Adrian Lee. Now, alongside twin brother Kade, the Ruotolos are a combined 5-0 in the sport. Kade, who is the ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion, has picked up a trio of submission wins against Blake Cooper, Ahmed Mujtaba, and Nicolas Vigna.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-i-m-here-to-perform-tye-ruotolo-excited-for-his-next-one-championship-fight
“I’m here to perform” – Tye Ruotolo excited for his next ONE Championship fight
