Kade Ruotolo To Face Francisco Lo In Catchweight Submission Grappling Match At ONE Fight Night 21
Reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo will soon return to action in a 180-pound non-title match that promises fireworks for as long as it lasts.
On April 5 in U.S. primetime, the 21-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom will take on promotional newcomer Francisco Lo at ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas on Prime Video.
Ruotolo will be competing on the same card as his twin brother, Tye Ruotolo, who will defend his ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title against Australian sensation Izaak Michell in the co-main event.
The lineup at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, is also headlined by a ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title fight between defending king Regian “The Immortal” Eersel and unbeaten challenger Alexis “Barboza” Nicolas.
Widely regarded as one of the planet’s top pound-for-pound ground fighters, Kade has looked nothing short of dominant through five appearances in the world’s largest martial arts organization – four of which have been World Title fights.
In his most recent appearance in January at ONE 165, the California native secured his second consecutive victory over IBJJF No-Gi World Champion Tommy Langaker to solidify himself as the world’s best lightweight grappler.
While he was unable to secure the finish in that match, Ruotolo showcased his trademark relentless pacing and all-out aggression to put a stamp on his rivalry with the talented Norwegian.
On April 5, he’ll face a serious challenge in the form of Lo.
A BJJ black belt since May 2022, the 23-year-old Brazilian is one of the sport’s most dangerous and creative submission artists, capable of ending a match from seemingly any position.
Lo is an IBJJF American National Champion and a No-Gi Pan-American Champion, boasting notable wins over the likes of IBJJF World Champions Manuel Ribamar and Sebastian Rodriguez, as well as European Champion Mauricio Oliveira.
With his deep bag of submission tricks and fearless approach to grappling, the Checkmat representative will pose an intriguing stylistic test to the equally aggressive Ruotolo.
And for the lightweight submission grappling kingpin, this match represents a chance to test himself against another world-renowned competitor and remind fans why he’s one of the sport’s most electrifying athletes.
Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news and announcements about ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video.
