Kade Ruotolo is eyeing more gold on the horizon, and he’s not limiting himself to submission grappling. This past weekend, the American prodigy successfully defended his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship.

That too against the phenomenal Tommy Langaker in the co-main event of ONE 165: Superlek vs Takeru inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. With the win, Ruotolo remains undefeated in five matches in the world’s largest martial arts organization, proving his dominance once again in the lightweight submission grappling division. 

Kade Ruotolo wants to leave his comfort zone for good

The 21-year-old has previously expressed a desire to switch to the all-encompassing sport of mixed martial arts, saying he has been working on his game to eventually compete outside his comfort zone. In the post-event press conference, Ruotolo confirmed that his transition would happen sooner than later.

“Without a doubt, it’s coming soon. A hundred and ten percent this year. And I’m hoping for early or mid this year. I’d really be stoked to get it done by March or May. It’s kinda been like my timeframe,” he said. “I know it’s coming up really quick, but, you know, my dream is to become a double-champ for ONE Championship – jiu-jitsu and MMA.

“I’d like to consider myself as a true martial artist. I don’t think I’ve ever turned down a fight, and I feel like I just love to fight. I feel like within jiu-jitsu, there’s so many rules and I have so many fights out of me, if that makes sense. I’m just excited to show everything I have.”

Kade Ruotolo almost made his MMA debut at ONE 165 after fellow American star Sage Northcutt pulled out at the last second due to some visa issues with his coaches. In a separate interview, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed that the Atos representative offered to fight twice in the event so that fans can still watch Shinya Aoki perform live. 

When will he fight next?

While he was ultimately not allowed to debut at ONE 165, Ruotolo is optimistic that he will compete in the sport this year no matter who is put in front of him. He’s willing to put in all the work that he would need to emerge victorious no matter who stands in front of him in terms of MMA.

Also Read: “You Need That in Order to Grow” – Kade Ruotolo Lauded His Twin Brother’s Involvement in His Major Achievements

“To be 100 percent honest, for my MMA debut, I have no one really particular I’m aiming for. I just want to get my feet in the ring or the Circle, whichever it may be, and I really just want to put on a performance. So whoever it may be, I just really want to get my toes in the water,” he said. “So whoever is in the way, I’m going to have to get past them.”  

Also Read: “Pretty Much Does the Same Thing Every Time” Kade Ruotolo Left Unimpressed by Tommy Langaker’s Style