Kade Ruotolo is eyeing more gold on the horizon, and he’s not limiting himself to submission grappling.

This past weekend, the American prodigy successfully defended his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship against Tommy Langaker in the co-main event of ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Kade Ruotolo reveals MMA aspirations

With the win, Ruotolo remains undefeated in five matches in the world’s largest martial arts organization, proving his dominance once again in the lightweight submission grappling division. The 21-year-old has previously expressed a desire to switch to the all-encompassing sport of mixed martial arts, saying he has been working on his game to eventually compete outside his comfort zone.

In the post-event press conference, Ruotolo confirmed that his transition will happen sooner than later.

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“Without a doubt, it’s coming soon. A hundred and ten percent this year. And I’m hoping for early or mid this year. I’d really be stoked to get it done by March or May. It’s kinda been like my timeframe,” he said.

“I know it’s coming up really quick, but, you know, my dream is to become a double-champ for ONE Championship – jiu-jitsu and MMA. I’d like to consider myself as a true martial artist. I don’t think I’ve ever turned down a fight, and I feel like I just love to fight. I feel like within jiu-jitsu, there’s so many rules and I have so many fights out of me, if that makes sense. I’m just excited to show everything I have.”

Ruotolo almost made his MMA debut at ONE 165 after fellow American star Sage Northcutt pulled out at the last second due to some visa issues with his coaches.

“I Want To Submit Him” – Kade Ruotolo Determined To Take The Finish In Rematch With Tommy Langaker

ONE lightweight grappling champion on almost making his MMA debut at ONE 165

In a separate interview, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed that the Atos representative offered to fight twice in the event so that fans can still watch Shinya Aoki perform live. While he was ultimately not allowed to do so, Ruotolo is optimistic that he will compete in the sport this year no matter who is put in front of him.

Kade Ruotolo, on his eagerness to compete in MMA, stated, “To be 100 percent honest, for my MMA debut, I have no one really particular I’m aiming for. I just want to get my feet in the ring or the Circle, whichever it may be, and I really just want to put on a performance. So whoever it may be, I just really want to get my toes in the water. So whoever is in the way, I’m going to have to get past them.”

Do you believe that the lightweight grappling world champion will be able to secure a title in MMA in 2024? let us know what you think in the comments section below.

“I Try Not to Dwell Too Much on It” – Redemption Seeking Tommy Langaker Reflects Back on Loss Against ONE 165 Rival Kade Ruotolo