Kade Ruotolo will defend his ONE light-weight submission grappling world title in opposition to Mikey Musumeci at ONE 168: Denver.
Present ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci will transfer up three weight lessons to problem Kade Ruotolo for his light-weight strap.
That matchup will go down on Friday, September 6, on the Ball Area in Denver, Colorado.
The group introduced the bout on Wednesday through press release.
Each males are undefeated in ONE Championship and extensively regarded among the many sport’s high pound-for-pound opponents. Given their resumes, this contest marks arguably the most important submission grappling match ONE has held but.
Ruotolo, the defending champion, boasts a 6-0 document within the group and has efficiently defended his belt thrice since successful it in October 2022. He most just lately competed at ONE Struggle Night time 21 earlier this month, scoring a submission victory over Francisco Lo.
Along with his work in ONE Championship, the 21-year-old Ruotolo can also be the present ADCC 77kg world champion – making him the youngest-ever ADCC champion. He has additionally just lately made a foray into gi competitors, possible in an effort to qualify for the 2024 IBJJF Worlds.
Earlier than Ruotolo battles Musumeci in Denver, he’ll make his long-awaited MMA debut in June at ONE 167 when he takes on Hawaii’s Blake Cooper.
For his half, Musumeci has been equally dominant in ONE Championship. The 27-year-old claimed the inaugural ONE flyweight submission grappling world title in September 2022 with a choice victory over Cleber Sousa, and has since defended his gold thrice.
In his most up-to-date outing, final October at ONE Struggle Night time 15, Musumeci submitted Japanese MMA legend Shinya Aoki along with his personal trademark Aoki lock.
The New Jersey native can also be set to compete in June at ONE 167. That night time, he’ll sq. off with Gabriel Sousa – the final man to defeat him in competitors – in a non-title bantamweight contest.
How you can watch: Kade Ruotolo vs. Mikey Musumeci takes place on Friday, 6, at ONE 168: Denver, on the Ball Area in Denver, Colorado, and can air stay on Prime Video (free with Amazon Plus membership) starting at 8:00 PM EST.
Tickets for the occasion may be bought at Ticketmaster.
