BJJ scored one over Sambo as Kade Ruotolo submitted Uali Kurzhev for the inaugural ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship. In a highly anticipated match-up between two masters of their respective sports, Ruotolo took control dominantly and secured the win in the very first round.
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This made Kade Ruotolo the first ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling Champion. Ruotolo recently became the youngest ADCC champion and raised his stock with this statement performance. He also secured a $50,000 dollar bonus with his win.
BJJ fans elated at Kade Ruotolo’s emphatic win
Early reactions to the results of Kade Ruotolo vs. Uali Kurzhev saw BJJ fans celebrating a win over Sambo. Fans took the time to applaud the highly talented Ruotolo as well.
Kade Ruotolo annihilated him. Heel hook at about the 5-min mark. Sublime back control, but Kurzhev eventually found his way to his feet. Didn't matter. When they re-engaged, Ruotolo had more intensity and remained one step ahead of him. Clinical.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) October 22, 2022
The BJJ community is thrilled to have a representative like Kade Ruotolo, as voiced by a fan.
Kade displays gorgeous technique. What a star the BJJ community has! #onefc #ONEonprimevideo3 #bjj https://t.co/bQasfFgyp2
— MMAAlina (@alina_mma) October 22, 2022
One fan took note of Ruotolo’s accomplishments at such a young age.
Kade Routolo doing big things. Adds the ONE Grappling Championship title to the list of accomplishments via heel hook against Uali Kurzhev. #ONEonPrimeVideo3
— Mister B (@MisterB1986) October 22, 2022
Fuelled by the excitement of Ruotolo’s win, another fan commented on how he’s looking forward to the next BJJ vs. Sambo spectacle of the weekend.
After seeing the submission grappling match between BJJ vs. sambo on #ONEonPrimeVideo3, I can't wait to witness the fight between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev tomorrow at #UFC280! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— ⚜ WHO DAT Cool Breesy ⚜ (@Steve2duhO) October 22, 2022
After so many instances of Russian Sambo practitioners getting wins over Jiu-Jitsu-based fighters, Ruotolo gave cause for celebration to Jiu-Jitsu fans.
Sambo wishes it was BJJ. I said what I said. #ONEonPrimeVideo3
— SuperBeast MMA (@SuperbeastCraig) October 22, 2022
Some fans expressed their surprise at seeing BJJ get one over Sambo.
BJJ beats sambo! Woah! #ONEonPrimeVideo3
— ⚜ WHO DAT Cool Breesy ⚜ (@Steve2duhO) October 22, 2022
Another fan gave props to Kade Ruotolo’s skill and technique for imposing his will on a more experienced fighter like Kurzhev.
yeah Kade Ruotolo is alright at grappling is he? his technique is so slick, he is wise and mature beyond his years. absolutely dominates a much older, more experienced opponent. #ONEonPrimeVideo3
— jack 🏴 (@jackbuchananmma) October 22, 2022
Kade Ruotolo defeated Shinya Aoki on his maiden outing inside the ONE circle. After announcing his win with a victory over a legend like Aoki, Ruotolo has now proved his mettle against another world champion higher in Uali Kurzhev. Fans of Jiu-Jitsu, and fighting in general, have good reason to expect more stellar performances out of this young prospect.
Kade Ruotolo raised the bar for himself
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With his win over Uali Kurzhev, Kade Ruotolo added the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title to his trophy cabinet. Ruotolo was intense from the very beginning, leaving very little room for Kurzhev to capitalize. Things only got worse for Kurzhev as Ruotolo applied even more pressure, eventually finding the heel hook close to the end of the first round.
After a dominating win like that, fans are eager to see more of Kade Ruotolo. Ruotolo just proved that he can hang with the best in the ONE circle. His skills on the mat have translated well into the cage. Uali Kurzhev is a multiple-time world champion in Sambo and Ruotolo made quick work of him.
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What did you make of Kade Ruotolo’s performance? Who do you want to see him fight next? Share your thoughts in the comments below.