Tye Ruotolo conquered the much larger and longer Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder in their submission grappling match at ONE Fight Night 10, but he wasn’t too excited about the result. On Friday, May 5, the American grappling phenom claimed a hard-earned unanimous decision victory over de Ridder after 10 minutes of action. It was Ruotolo’s third straight win in ONE Championship, but it was also the first time that he was not able to get the finish over his opponent.

Speaking to the media during the post-event press conference, Tye Ruotolo addressed his performance, saying, “My goal every time I step on the mats is to inspire people to do jiu-jiutsu, to embrace the sport. It’s such a sick sport with so many different reasons to enter. I feel like my performance tonight, I didn’t really get to show what I was capable of. I didn’t feel like I inspired [people] the way I should have.”

Tye Ruotolo will take steps to avoid such disappointing performances in the future

While disappointed with his performance, the 20-year-old understands what he must do as he aims to avoid this feeling in the future. He added, “I’m just going to look back at my match tonight. Make sure I fix all my mistakes so I’ll never win in that fashion again. I’m not super stoked on the win.”

After showing his ability to overcome a size disadvantage, Tye Ruotolo wants to continue taking out larger opponents inside the ONE Circle. During the same press conference, he expressed his desire to challenge New Wave Jiu-Jitsu member Nicholas Meregali.

Ruotolo wanted a bout with his bigger former opponent, Nicholas Meregali

Ruotolo said, “I want to fight Meragali no matter what. I feel like I should. I could take bigger guys, and he’s the guy I want to take.” While Meregali isn’t officially signed with ONE Championship, he would certainly be a welcomed addition to the formidable submission grappling roster of the promotion. 

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If their match does materialize, it wouldn’t be their first meeting as Ruotolo has a bone to pick with Brazilian BJJ world champion. Meregali ended Ruotolo’s run at the 2022 ADCC Absolutes with a razor-close decision win in the semifinal round of the division.