‘People Know It’s Going To Be A Show’ – Buchecha Praises Kade Ruotolo’s Exciting Grappling Style

Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida knows elite grappling talent when he sees it, and the 17-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion is a huge fan of upcoming ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title challenger Kade Ruotolo.

Ruotolo will collide with promotional newcomer Uali Kurzhev for the inaugural gold at ONE on Prime Video 3: Lineker vs. Andrade this Friday, October 21, and “Buchecha” thinks the 19-year-old prodigy’s rapid growth has been incredible.

The BJJ icon watched as Ruotolo became the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious ADCC World Championship in September, and he feels that will translate into an impressive performance inside the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“Buchecha” said:

“It’s amazing to see the evolution of [Kade and his twin brother Tye Ruotolo]. They put on a show at the ADCC. Kade became champion of the under-77kg division – one of the most difficult [weight classes] in the ADCC.

“It was Kade’s first ADCC and Tye’s second and already achieving a result like this is something impressive. The boys are to be congratulated. And I’m sure Kade will do very well in the ONE World Title fight. I’m looking forward to watching his fight for the belt.”

Both brothers were a hit in their promotional debuts at ONE 157 this past May, where they imposed their prodigious skills over world-class adversaries.

Tye submitted modern-day legend Garry Tonon in a shocking 97 seconds with his signature D’Arce choke.

Meanwhile, Kade dominated former ONE Lightweight World Champion and submission specialist Shinya Aoki, throwing up attacks at every opportunity and even diving off the Circle Wall en route to a decision victory.

That constant offense and submission threat is what “Buchecha” believes will earn Ruotolo legions of fans and help him make ONE Championship history on Friday night.

He said:

“Both Kade and Tye, their difference is that they are not afraid to take risks. They are not afraid of falling into a bad position. That’s what makes them the fighters that they are, that everyone wants to watch. People know it’s going to be a show.

“The kids put on a show playing [on top], playing [on bottom]. Even when they are in a bad position, they can apply the buggy choke in any situation. It’s amazing to see them fighting. Kade in this ADCC got four submissions in four fights. He was the only champion who managed to submit everyone.”

Buchecha Thinks Kade Ruotolo Has Edge Over Uali Kurzhev

Multi-time Sambo World Champion and decorated judo black belt Uali Kurzhev will be the man standing opposite Kade Ruotolo at ONE on Prime Video 3.

Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida expects the Russian to bring certain threats to their matchup, but he doesn’t think there will be anything in the debutant’s arsenal that the American won’t be able to handle.

He said:

“[Sambo and judo are] a different game. Kade might not be used to it, but I’m sure he knows that and will be prepared for foot lock situations because he attacks and defends very well. 

“I believe it’s easier for Kade to find someone to train with Uali’s style than for Uali to find someone with Kade’s style to simulate his game.”

“Buchecha” knows that their respective styles will make for an exciting battle, but with Ruotolo’s current form, he thinks that the American is the favorite to take home the gold. 

The Brazilian won’t write Kurzhev off, but it’s hard for him to look past the Californian prodigy’s hot streak as he looks to keep the fire burning and capture the biggest prize of his young career.

Almeida said:

“I think it will be a very interesting fight. I’m looking forward to seeing it. I’m sure it will be a big fight. 

“I think Kade is in the best phase of his career. He got his black belt recently, and he’s already putting on a show. I think this will help him get into this fight well and win the belt.”