2025 Year-In-Review: From Grappling Dominance To MMA Stardom, Tye Ruotolo Conquers It All
ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo didn’t just successfully defend his belt in 2025 – he elevated his game and then conquered an entirely new world.
The 22-year-old phenom maintained his iron grip on the grappling crown and then launched his MMA career, joining his twin brother – ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo – as a two-sport athlete.
From shutting down an elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner to finishing undefeated MMA stars, Ruotolo’s seamless transition to the all-encompassing sport has stretched his spotless promotional record to 10-0 across both disciplines.
As 2025 comes to a close, let’s relive the American star’s incredible campaign that positioned him as one of ONE Championship’s most exciting dual-threat talents.
A Decisive World Title Defense Against A Decorated Rival
After claiming a pair of thrilling victories over Izaak Michell and Jozef Chen in 2024, Tye Ruotolo entered 2025 ready for his stiffest test yet.
Waiting at ONE Fight Night 31 this past May was Canadian powerhouse Dante Leon, who had stormed into the promotion with back-to-back wins over ONE Championship veteran Bruno “Puccibull” Pucci and former World Title challenger Tommy Langaker. Those triumphs showcased Leon’s rare combination of technical artistry and brute force.
Their rivalry also added an extra layer of intensity to their ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title showdown. Ruotolo and Leon had previously crossed paths outside of the world’s largest martial arts organization, with each competitor holding a victory over the other. And now, this trilogy match would finally set the record straight.
Ruotolo wasted no time. He exploded out of the gates with a thunderous double-leg takedown, immediately putting Leon on the defensive.
From top position, the California native attacked with signature techniques from his extensive repertoire. His leg pin guard-passing created constant pressure, while his scrambling ability kept Leon in survival mode. Even the Canadian’s excellent guard retention couldn’t withstand Ruotolo’s relentless attack.
After 10 grueling minutes, the verdict was unanimous. Ruotolo retained his ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Championship, silencing any doubts about his status atop the division.
The Perfect MMA Debut Against An Undefeated Prodigy
With his ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title defended, it was time for Tye Ruotolo to scratch that itch and lace up the four-ounce gloves.
Watching his twin brother Kade Ruotolo’s emphatic 3-0 MMA start had sparked a mix of pride and envy in him.
Now, it was his turn to prove he was more than just a world-class grappler – and there would be no easing into the all-encompassing sport.
At ONE Fight Night 35 this past September, he faced Adrian “The Phenom” Lee – the youngest member of the renowned combat sports family.
Under the guidance of his older brother, reigning ONE Lightweight and Welterweight MMA World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee, Adrian had stormed to three straight submission victories.
But the 19-year-old undefeated sensation’s well-rounded arsenal didn’t faze Ruotolo in their lightweight MMA clash.
Round one was absolute chaos, with both athletes finding success in the striking and grappling exchanges. But Ruotolo held the edge, as he tagged the Singaporean-American teen star with hard punches and grounded him with his trademark top pressure.
In round two, the California grappling ace returned to his roots. He dragged Lee to the canvas, eventually took his back, and locked in a deep rear-naked choke to get the submission victory.
The US$50,000 performance bonus was icing on the cake. Just like that, the lightweight MMA division was officially put on notice.
A Dominant Second Act In Enemy Territory
Tye Ruotolo didn’t want to sit on the sidelines for too long. In fact, he was ready for his sophomore appearance in the MMA world.
Less than two months later, he accepted another steep challenge in enemy territory. At ONE 173, he entered Tokyo’s Ariake Arena to face hometown hero Shozo “Great Teacher” Isojima, who had just extended his undefeated record to 6-0 with a TKO of Nicolas “El Paisa” Vigna.
The California native came out firing once the opening bell sounded. His striking looked even sharper than in his debut, as crisp combinations tagged Isojima repeatedly. The Japanese judoka was forced onto the back foot, wary of the grappling king’s improved hands.
That hesitation proved costly. With Isojima preoccupied with the striking threat, Ruotolo capitalized with a beautiful uchi mata throw. Once on top, he unleashed a merciless ground-and-pound attack.
Desperate to escape, the Japanese athlete made the fatal mistake of turning away and giving up his back. Ruotolo pounced immediately, locking in a tight rear-naked choke that forced the tap and earned him another US$50,000 performance bonus.
After two consecutive highlight-reel stoppage wins over quality competition, Ruotolo’s message was resounding. The ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion wants the fastest route to the top, with his sights set firmly on MMA gold.
Chasing Two-Sport Supremacy In 2026
Tye Ruotolo looks to build upon his flawless MMA start, as well as defend his ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title in 2026.
It’s a demanding schedule that could overwhelm most athletes, but the BJJ prodigy thrives on the challenge.
His approach is simple – stay active and stay hungry. The same relentless drive that conquered the grappling universe now fuels his MMA ascent, with his sights set firmly on two-division ONE World Champion Christian Lee.
On the grappling side, Ruotolo stands ready to defend his belt against any challenger willing to step up.
Elite MMA contenders and submission grappling specialists await in both arenas. And when the promotion decides the time is right, a showdown with “The Warrior” could become a reality.
Whatever path unfolds, one thing is undeniable. Tye Ruotolo isn’t just chasing two-sport glory – he’s building a legacy that could redefine what’s possible in combat sports.
