“I’m the Best in the World at 185” – Tye Ruotolo Dares Anyone to Challenge His Reign, Names Two Grapplers on His Hitlist

Tye Ruotolo draped gold on his shoulder this past weekend, and now he wants someone to try and take it from him. At ONE Fight Night 16, which broadcasted live in U.S. primetime last Friday, November 3, the American prodigy claimed a unanimous decision victory over Magomed Abdulkadirov to claim the inaugural ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title. 

Ruotolo’s persistence in finding openings for a submission helped him clinch the hard-earned victory, and he gave credit where it was due. Abdulkadirov showed tremendous resilience and defensive brilliance to take the Atos representative to the distance of their 10-minute bout inside the revered Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tye Ruotolo is ready to accept a challenge from anyone who weighs within 180 lbs

Following his win, he spoke with Mitch Chilson inside the ring to offer his thoughts on his opponent and what the future holds for him. “He must have gills man, those chokes are so tight, he’s still breathing through. He’s an animal. Lots of respect to Magomed. Thanks for taking the match. This is just the beginning,” he said during the in-ring interview. 

“My whole life I want to be the best in the world of all time. This is a stepping stool. This is the belt, I got it now. Now, I got a hit list. Anyone who wants the belt can take it from me, I got it now”.

Through his tenure in the world’s largest martial arts organization, the 20-year-old has not been shy in putting his skills to the test against various challenges. He has so far impressed during his run. Before Abdulkadirov, only ONE Middleweight MMA World Champion Reinier de Ridder was able to go the distance with Ruotolo, while three others fell to a submission.

Tye Ruotolo also has two primary targets in mind

Now that he is carrying 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold, he isn’t limiting himself to challengers inside the organization. Ultimately though, he welcomes anyone who wants to step in the ring with him. “I know Isaac Mitchell and Pedro Marinho are both good matches. Really, anybody. I don’t care. It doesn’t matter,” he said.

READ MORE – 3 Questions That Will Be Answered At ONE Fight Night 16

“I feel I’m the best in the world at 185 and whoever feels they can challenge me, come get it. I’m having a hard time finding matches, so let’s go. Respect to Magomed, thank you!”

READ MORE – “Truth Bombs About ONE” – Chatri Sityodtong Shares Montage of Joe Rogan Heaping Praise on ONE Championship