“Built Like a Roblox” – Chatri Sityodtong Joins Fans as Demetrious Johnson Slips Kade Ruotolo’s Guard Ahead of One 167

Not many can hang with Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson on the floor. The former UFC and current ONE flyweight champion, considered among the greatest ever mixed martial artists, has perhaps the strongest grappling game in all of MMA. His flying armbar to Ray Borg at UFC 216 is still one of the greatest moments in the history of the sport. This is why it is not easy for ‘DJ’ to find worthy training partners. However, quality was not a concern as Johnson rolled around with the Ruotolo brothers, to the fans’ delight.

Demetrious Johnson is on a break after having indicated his desire to retire from MMA last year. The flyweight champion has been active in the grappling scene, going around multiple gyms, and even managed to win a gold medal at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pan American Championship just last month.

To sharpen his skills, and himself against the best, ‘DJ’ went to visit Kade and Tye Ruotolo at their California gym. Kade Ruotolo is the ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion, while the latter, is the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion. Notably, Kade will be making his MMA debut against Blake Cooper on June 7.

And ahead of Kade’s first taste of the sport, Johnson and the twins picked each other’s brains on MMA and grappling, as well as a spirited sparring session, highlights of which ‘DJ’ shared on his Instagram account with a caption praising the twins. “It was like a monster from the depths of the void!! 3 hour training session from sharing MMA knowledge to Jits 🥋 knowledge!! Thank you @ruotolobrothersjiujitsu for the rolls,” he wrote.

The ONE flyweight champ expressed his admiration for the brothers after their three-hour training session and thanked them for the exchange of ideas. And fans couldn’t contain their excitement as there was a fair bit of good-natured ribbing of the flyweight in the comments section.

Fans react to ‘DJ’ and Ruotolo’s contest

Fans took to the comments section of ‘Mighty Mouse’s Instagram post to react to him grappling Ruotolos. ONE FC CEO Chatri Sityodtong was also among many who commented on the post as he simply reacted with,🔥🔥🔥.” One fan joked that Johnson’s apparel was probably one size too large for the 5’4″ dynamo,“Dj your pants are too long 😆” Another agreed with the sentiment saying, “shorten that gi a little 🤣😉”

One fan thought one of the Ruotolo twins shared a striking resemblance to an American actor and comedian as they wrote, “Who invited Bobcat Goldthwait?” Another thought Johnson was even more dangerous as he looked like a character from the popular video game franchise- Roblox at first glance, “mighty mouse built like a roblox character but can destroy you 😭”

Another social media user wasn’t aware ‘DJ’ had been promoted to a black belt around three weeks ago, “When did you get a black belt, I swear I saw you competing as brown belt few weeks ago.” Meanwhile, one fan surprisingly felt ‘Mighty Mouse’ was not worthy of being a BJJ black belt yet, “How and the hell did that guy his black belt so fast man they are just selling those things now 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 what a joke.” Another pointed out that technically both Johnson and Ruotolo didn’t stay in the circle as required by BJJ rules, “Didn’t stay in the red circle 😢. Jk.”

Even as Johnson enjoys his hiatus, he has become a prolific YouTuber, where he regularly shares his thoughts on all major combat sports events on his ‘Mightycast’ Podcast, as well as collaborating with other fighters and analysts. But MMA fans, of course, are eager to see him back in the octagon. If ONE can find a worthy champion for him, that is.