ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo is heading into his first professional mixed martial arts match ready to show the world what he’s got.

At ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Friday, June 7, the American grappling phenom is set to take on Blake Cooper in a lightweight affair inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Despite his love for BJJ, Kade Ruotolo is excited for MMA

After proving himself in ONE’s submission grappling ranks with six flawless victories, including winning the inaugural lightweight crown, Ruotolo has turned his attention to MMA, and he’s thrilled with the new challenge.

“Oh man, it’s a whole different world, that’s for sure. I’ve been falling in love with it more and more every single day, though. It’s something new. It’s exhilarating. Not that jiu-jitsu isn’t,” he said.

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“I love jiu-jitsu, my adrenaline is always pumping, but it’s a different type of exhilarating. It’s hard to almost explain it. I’m just extremely excited and excited to show the world what I can do,” he said. 

Ruotolo has produced some of the most spectacular submission grappling performances ONE has seen, thanks to his innovative offense and aggressive attacking. 

The Atos standout is looking to adapt those skills when he transitions to the all-encompassing sport of MMA, and he wants to continue giving fans a fun fight to watch. 

“I want to give a show. I want to have fun out there. Obviously, I want to get the finish, and I truly believe that I will get that finish. Just like my jiu-jitsu matches, I want there to be more of a reason than just the win for people to watch my matches. I want people to be excited, to be wowed, and I want to entertain. That’s the goal on June 7,” Ruotolo said.

Ruotolo knows what makes him move

However, Cooper will be out to spoil his welcome to MMA at ONE 167, and he’s hungry to prove himself in the sport. 

The American has two professional MMA wins under his belt, but he failed to impress in his ONE Championship debut at ONE Fight Night 14 last September, so this will be his chance to show the world he belongs.

Ruotolo remains unfazed by his compatriot, though, and he’s choosing to focus on what he gets up in the morning to do instead. 

“I love fighting. In the most honest way possible. I don’t know why, but I love it. There’s something about it.”