Tommy Langaker thinks he’s found the perfect formula to take out reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo in their much-anticipated rematch in the co-main event of ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru.

The two elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts are set to lock horns for the second time this Sunday, January 28, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Tommy Langaker’s training transformation yields Success

That contest will be a rematch of their thrilling June 2023 showdown that Ruotolo won by decision after 10 minutes of back-and-forth action. Since then, Langaker has changed up the training routine he had stuck to for well over a decade. Ironically, by training less, he’s finding himself to be more confident when it comes time to compete.

He explained: “I tend to do a lot more than necessary in regards to preparation, which creates a lot of pressure on myself and creates a very tense version of me that kind of hesitates. So, due to reflecting on this, I kind of restricted my training in amounts of hours.”

The benefits of this new approach are evident. Following his loss to the American phenom, Langaker won gold at the IBJJF No-Gi European Championships and World Championships, showcasing a seemingly unpassable guard and incredible back-takes.

Easing the pressure by taking a break

By taking his foot off the gas pedal in the training room, he takes the pressure off of himself, which leads to a more relaxed performance when it matters the most: “I think it’s going to help me quite a lot. I’m pushing 30 now, and I’ve been training in a certain way for so many years in most of my professional career, and I’ve been training basically in the same pattern. And now, as I finally managed to unhinge myself from this routine, I feel very comfortable going into the match, win or lose.”

Read More: “They’re Always My Why” – Martin Nguyen Confesses the Only Way He Endures the Sacrifice of Being Away From Family During Training Camp

The Norwegian admits that competition nerves will always be there – including against Ruotolo on January 28. But the difference, he says, is that he can now manage and control those nerves: “Of course, I’m going to be nervous, but in a very manageable way. I am very confident in what I’m doing in my preparation and how I live my life that is going to help me secure a good match and a good victory.”

What’s your take on their fight? Do you believe in Tommy Langaker’s ability to take on Ruotolo? Will he be able to clinch the championship? tell us about your opinion in the commenter below.

Read More: Confident Takeru Segawa Ready to Prove He’s the “Strongest in the World” Against Superlek at ONE 165