Kade Ruotolo is one of the most creative grapplers on the planet today, and he believes his diverse offensive game will be key against his upcoming opponent.

Fresh off winning US$1 million at the Craig Jones Invitational, the American grappling prodigy is deep in preparation to defend the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title against flyweight titleholder Mikey Musumeci at ONE 168: Denver, which goes down on U.S. primetime on Friday, September 6.

Kade Ruotolo eyes versatility and tactical adaptation against Musumeci at ONE 168

Throughout the thrilling competition – and his tenure in ONE to date – the 21-year-old has showcased his deep bag of tricks, and he expressed confidence in his skills ahead of his meeting with Musumeci in a recent interview with ONE.

“I think one thing that favors me in the matchup is that I feel like I have a lot of different routes to victory, whether it’s going for the back or sticking to my passing,” Ruotolo said. Ruotolo has been invincible across seven submission grappling bouts in the world’s largest martial arts organization. He even carried his success to MMA, winning his debut battle against Blake Cooper at ONE 167 this past June.

The California native’s relentless pursuit of a submission finish has certainly been a big part of his success, and that is exactly what he’ll be hunting for against “Darth Rigatoni.”

Musumeci is also considered one of the brightest young talents in the submission grappling world, and he remains undefeated in ONE too. But Ruotolo believes his upcoming foe is stubborn with his fight approach, which could be his downfall at ONE 168.

“If I’m hand fighting someone and it’s not really going my way or whatever – if I’m trying to wrestle, and I can’t – I’m going to pull guard. I’m going to get on their legs. I’m going to do anything in my power to find their weakness and execute that window,” he said. “I don’t think Mikey is quite prepared to go that route. I think he’ll try the same strategy for 10 minutes straight. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.”

Ruotolo’s versatility vs. Musumeci’s precision at ONE 168

Ruotolo may pinpoint Musumeci’s single-minded game plan as a weakness. However, it could also be seen as a strength, as was exhibited in his first World Title defense against Gantumur Bayanduuren at ONE Fight Night 6 in January 2023. The 28-year-old infamously chased a leg lock submission for most of the contest. And though he didn’t find it, he did win by decision and proceeded to break his opponent’s leg along the way.

Given their contrasting styles, a winner at ONE 168 may not be as straightforward to call. And Ruotolo understands why many believe it will be a nail-biting affair in Colorado.

“Some people may view that as more technical. Like, sticking to his guns and sticking to his techniques. Or it’s his strategy, maybe. And some people may view it as my game is more technical as trying to explore every route to victory, either with passing, submitting from the guard, or from the top,” he said.