ONE Championship Announces Kade Ruotolo’s Next World Title Defense

Kade Ruotolo will defend the Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship on January 28 in Tokyo at ONE 165
ONE Championship Announces Kade Ruotolo’s Next World Title Defense
ONE Championship Announces Kade Ruotolo’s Next World Title Defense /

Kade Ruotolo will defend the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship on January 28 in Tokyo at ONE 165, and his opponent will be a familiar one: Tommy Langaker.

Courtesy ONE Championship
Courtesy ONE Championship

Ruotolo defeated Langaker this past June at ONE Fight Night 11, a phenomenal contest that the promotion awarded the Best Submission Grappling Fight of 2023. The 10-minute submission-only encounter was a world-class display of jiu-jitsu, and it ended with Ruotolo winning by decision.

Later this month, only a week after he turns 21, Ruotolo will look to make a third successful defense of the title in a rematch against Langaker. The highly anticipated bout marks Kade’s most significant test to date, and a second victory against Langaker will cement his place as one of the most elite submission grapplers in the world.

Courtesy ONE Championship
Courtesy ONE Championship

ONE 165 is headlined by ONE icon Rodtang Jitmuangnon against Takeru Segawa, making his promotional debut in his home country. The pay-per-view will air live on https://watch.onefc.com/.


Published
Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.