Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida recognizes world-class grappling talent when he sees it. The 17-time BJJ World Champion is confident that Kade Ruotolo will add ONE Championship gold to his collection at ONE on Prime Video 3 this Friday, October 21.

Ruotolo will go to war against Uali Kurzhev for the inaugural ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title as part of the riveting live spectacle. Almeida believes the 19-year-old phenom’s recent form should provide him with the momentum he needs in the pivotal tie.

“Buchecha” picks Kade Ruotolo over Uali Kurzhev

“I think it will be a very interesting fight. I’m looking forward to seeing this fight. I’m sure it will be a big fight,” Almeida shared.

“I think Kade is in a very good moment. He’s in the best phase of his career, he got his black belt recently, and he’s already putting on a show. I think this will help him get into this fight well and win the belt.”

The unbeaten heavyweight star watched closely as Ruotolo claimed the ADCC World Championship last month. 

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The American sensation snagged the gold by forcing each opponent to tap–via a pair of armbars and heel hooks. He further made history by becoming the youngest competitor ever to claim the strap in the process.

Marcus Almeida on what to expect

“Buchecha” expects the young gun to put on another dominant display this Friday to score the inaugural gold. However, he also feels Kurzhev will make life difficult for Ruotolo inside the Circle.  

“I knew he [Kurzhev] was from Sambo, but I didn’t know he also came from Judo. It’s a different game. Kade might not be used to it. But I’m sure he knows that and will be prepared for foot lock situations, because he attacks and defends very well,” the American Top Team and Evolve MMA representative said.

“I think it will be a great fight. And I believe it’s easier for Kade to find someone to train with Uali’s style than for Uali to find someone with Kade’s style to simulate his game.”

Whichever way this fight pans out, Almeida is supremely confident it will be a barnburner; and another historic night for the submission grappling community on the global stage.

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The sport has grown rapidly in ONE. Just last month, Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci became the promotion’s first-ever submission grappling World Champion when he outpointed longtime rival Cleber Sousa to claim the flyweight throne.