“That’s Not the Kind of Guy That You Want to Call Out”- Chael Sonnen Praises Kade Ruotolo After a Monumental Win at the Latest ONE Event

Grappling prodigy Kade Ruotolo won the inaugural ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title at ONE on Prime Video 3: Lineker vs. Andrade. The 19-year-old Ruotolo submitted multiple-time Sambo world champion Uali Kurzhev at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

Kade Ruotolo vs. Uali Kurzhev was one of the most highly anticipated fights on the card. It was also a purely Jiu-Jitsu vs Sambo grappling match. Hence, fans of both disciplines were excited about the bout. Ruotolo’s win impressed a lot of people, including former UFC star Chael Sonnen.

Chael Sonnen impressed by Kade Ruotolo and ONE

Chael Sonnen recently took to Twitter to appreciate the latest ONE event and also Kade Ruotolo’s performance. In a video he posted on Twitter, Sonnen called the ONE Championship event “a treat.” He added that he rarely used that word to describe an event.

Sonnen then proceeded to Kade Ruotolo and grappling. He recounted Ruotolo’s recent ADCC championship win. He also reminded the listeners that Kade Ruotolo was the youngest ADCC champion ever. Sonnen called Kade Ruotolo’s match against Uali Kurzhev “interesting.” Speaking of Ruotolo’s demeanor, Sonnen called him “positive” and “a really good guy with a really good attitude.”

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Sonnen also quoted Ruotolo with respect to the fight. He quoted Kade Ruotolo saying, “I want to test my wrestling. I know this guy has very good wrestling, very good trips, very good judo. I want to see how I do.”

Sonnen said that he shared Ruotolo’s curiosity about the wrestling aspect of the fight. He mentioned the risk of Ruotolo ending up at the bottom. He also added that Ruotolo can handle himself from the bottom as he proved in the fight.

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“Kade is very well prepared and Kade is also very young. Right. Got his black belt at 17. He’s 19 now. That’s not the kind of guy that you want to call out,” Sonnen added.

Kade Ruotolo’s impressive run continues

Kade Ruotolo is one of the most promising grapplers of this generation. At the young age of 19, he has already achieved more than most of his competitors. Along with this brother Tye Ruotolo, he is now a top contender in ONE Championship.

Kade Ruotolo holds the record for being the youngest ADCC world champion ever after achieving the feat in 2022. In 2021, he won the IBJJF world championship at 18 years of age. Grappling legend Andre Galvao awarded him his black belt shortly after that.

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Kade Ruotolo’s ONE Championship debut was against Shinya Aoki. Ruotolo announced his entry into the promotion with a decision win over the legend Aoki. With his latest win over Kurzhev, Ruotolo has established himself as a legit contender in the sport. Fans will be excited to see more such exciting performances from him in the future.