Two of the best grapplers on the planet today are set for a monumental clash in the United States. At ONE 168: Denver on Friday, September 6, ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci is set to challenge Kade Ruotolo for the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title inside the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

Both World Champions are undefeated in the world’s largest martial arts organization and have proven to be a cut above their peers in their respective divisions.

Mikey Musumeci  is about to square off against Kade Ruotolo

“Darth Rigatoni” showed the world why he is a five-time IBJJF World Champion by racking up six straight wins since his arrival in April 2022. Four of his wins have come by highlight-reel submissions, and there was little to no doubt about the outcome of his other two bouts.

While it may be daunting for anyone to move up three whole weight divisions higher to challenge for ONE gold, the New Jersey native is not new to fighting outside his weight class. In fact, he submitted Japanese martial arts legend and former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki with his own “Aoki Lock” when they squared off at ONE Fight Night 15 last October.

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Of course, the American grappling prodigy will be facing a much younger and craftier opponent in his compatriot. Ruotolo is also 6-0 in ONE, including three successful World Title defenses. In each match, the youngest ADCC World Champion has showcased his innovative offense that has put fans at the edge of their seats.

He most recently pulled off a creative submission that he and his twin brother, Tye, dubbed as “The Ruotolotine” after he tapped Francisco Lo at ONE Fight Night 21 earlier this month – a testament to his endless bag of tricks on the ground.

Both the fighters are facing their past

Though their pairing appeared improbable due to the difference in their weight class, it will certainly be a treat for submission grappling fans all over the world.

Before they meet face to face, they will each have tough assignments in a little over a month’s time at ONE 167: Stamp vs Zamboanga on Friday, June 7. On that night, Musumeci revisits an old rival in Gabriel Sousa – the last man to defeat him in a grappling competition – as he aims for redemption in a bantamweight submission grappling bout.

Meanwhile, Ruotolo will make his highly anticipated MMA debut as he faces Blake Cooper in the lightweight division. Stay tuned for more announcements about the event.