Mikey Musumeci To Challenge Kade Ruotolo In Submission Grappling World Title Super-Fight At ONE 168: Denver
One of the biggest submission grappling matches in history is officially booked for ONE 168: Denver.
On Friday, September 6, current ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci will challenge reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo for the gold in a super-fight that will have the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world buzzing.
The monumental clash will go down at ONE’s big return to the United States at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Both American superstars are undefeated in ONE Championship and are widely regarded as arguably the top pound-for-pound submission grapplers on the planet.
A five-time IBJJF World Champion, Musumeci has looked nothing short of flawless since his promotional debut in April 2022. The 27-year-old sensation has reeled off six straight wins in the organization, including three highlight-reel submissions.
The New Jersey native will be moving up three weight classes in his quest for two-division gold. However, this won’t be the first time he’s tested himself against a larger opponent under ONE’s bright lights.
In his most recent outing, Musumeci took on former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki, submitting the Japanese icon with his very own trademark “Aoki lock.”
The 21-year-old Ruotolo has been equally dominant during his time in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
Like Musumeci, he boasts a pristine 6-0 record in ONE. Also, he has successfully defended his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title three times after winning the inaugural gold in October 2022.
As the youngest-ever ADCC World Champion and fresh off a stunning submission victory over Francisco Lo at ONE Fight Night 21, the Californian is renowned for his incredible accomplishments, relentless submission-hunting skills, and innovative style.
Given each man’s elite technical prowess and fearless pursuit of the finish, fans can expect nothing less than fireworks in this World Champion versus World Champion showdown.
In the meantime, both Musumeci and Ruotolo are scheduled to compete in blockbuster matchups before they lock horns in Denver.
On June 7 at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga on Prime Video, “Darth Rigatoni” will battle dangerous Brazilian newcomer Gabriel Sousa – the last man to defeat him – in a highly anticipated bantamweight submission grappling tilt.
That same night, Ruotolo will lace up the 4-ounce gloves to make his long-awaited MMA debut against heavy-handed Hawaiian competitor Blake Cooper.
Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news and announcements about ONE 168: Denver on September 6.
