Tye Ruotolo Aiming for a Finish Against Izaak Michell to Add to His Growing List of Conquests

Published 04/05/2024, 3:37 PM EDT

Tye Ruotolo wanted a big challenge for the first defense of his ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title, and at ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas on Prime Video, he’ll get just that.

This Friday in U.S. primetime, the 21-year-old prodigy will put his gold on the line against the ultra-talented Australian standout Izaak Michell at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s a matchup that Ruotolo has been calling for ever since his August 2023 victory over Dagi Arslanaliev at ONE Fight Night 13.

Tye Ruotolo has really been waiting

Article continues below this ad

Since then, the young Californian defeated Magomed Abdulkadirov to claim the inaugural welterweight submission grappling crown and set himself up for this much-anticipated showdown with Michell – a man widely regarded as the second-best welterweight ground fighter on the planet.

The fact that Michell is so highly regarded is precisely why Ruotolo likes him as an opponent. As the titleholder explained, he’s on a mission to take out the world’s best submission grapplers one-by-one: “I’ve been asking for Izaak for a little bit now. I’ve seen the success he’s been having in the jiu-jitsu world. He’s been beating a lot of good guys. He’s respected.”

“A lot of people are trying to say he has the best wrestling in jiu-jitsu. I just think he’s a very tough opponent. In my division, I want to beat all the best guys to the point where there’s no stones left unturned.”

Ruotolo knows he’s in for a stiff test on April 5. His opponent is a physically imposing athlete known for his explosive takedowns, dangerous leg locks, and elite back-taking skills. With that in mind, the American plans to beat Michell at his own game.

Article continues below this ad

A game plan in motion

Tye Ruotolo hopes to win by taking the top position, controlling the action, and finding the submission finish. Loaded with confidence and ready to for an all-out war in Bangkok, Ruotolo added: “I think I’m gonna get on his back and choke him or guillotine.”

“I Needed a New Challenge” – Pranjanchai Looking to Add to His Legendary Career by Pursuing Kickboxing Gold

Article continues below this ad

“I don’t really know how I’m gonna submit him. I just have faith that I’m gonna submit him . . . Whichever way it happens, I’ll take. I just want to put him on his back. I know I’m gonna put him on his back first and sub him from there.”

“She Looked More Powerful” – Smilla Sundell Prepared for War Ahead of ONE Fight Night 14 Clash Against Allycia Hellen Rodrigues

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Prit Chauhan is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. His portfolio shows him as the go-to event coverage writer at ES and his work on UFC 297 is proof of the same. As an experienced writer and a longtime MMA fan, Prit’s strong suit lies in telling the relatively unknown and more personal stories of fights and fighters.

Edited by:

Smrutisnat Jena

Tye Ruotolo Aiming for a Finish Against Izaak Michell to Add to His Growing List of Conquests

Tye Ruotolo has really been waiting

Trending

Angel Reese Lures Michael Jordan to Do Something Which He has Never Done, Courtesy of Chicago Roots

With 10 Days Left For PGA Championship, Scottie Scheffler’s Future Thrown Into Disarray by New Report

Cormani McClain’s Mom’s Transfer Portal Claims About Son Proven True After Taking a Brutal Jab at Deion Sanders

Lakers News: Headache for Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, as Ex-Coach Shuts Door on LA Return Following Ty Lue Decision

While Celebrities Focused on Fundraising, Simone Biles Had an Exclusive Plan for Her Met Gala Appearance in 2021

A game plan in motion