‘They’re Killin’ It’ – Muay Thai Star Diego Paez Amazed By The Ruotolo Brothers’ Striking Evolution

Diego Paez is constantly refining his skills and helping his training partners at Classic Fight Team to become the best martial artists they can be. But now, after several months away from the spotlight, he is ready to step back onto the global stage and make a statement.

The Colombian-American striker will make his highly anticipated return against Black Panther in a flyweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Fight Night 40 on Prime Video, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, February 13.

Paez is laser-focused on his upcoming battle, but he always takes the time to watch his fellow gym mates perform in ONE Championship – that includes two of the submission grappling world’s most decorated young stars, the Ruotolo brothers.

When ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo and ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo decided to begin transitioning to MMA just a few years ago, they walked through the doors of the Classic Fight Team’s facility in Fountain Valley, California, to improve their striking and round out their overall skill sets.

The twin prodigies have worked very closely with the gym’s head coach Tyler Wombles, but Paez has also trained with them. During those sessions, the 32-year-old was impressed, and over the years, he admits the boys have grown exponentially.

Paez said:

“Their energy is impressive. They’re fast learners. They’re all in, they’re all about it. They are progressing at a very fast rate. You can tell when someone’s fully committed to something, and these kids are there to learn and to be the best. So, they hold up with everyone in the room. They learn quick.”

Paez has also watched the Ruotolo brothers’ MMA performances at various ONE Championship events, and the work they have put in at Classic Fight Team has clearly paid off.

Kade, who made his MMA debut in June 2024, is undefeated and has earned a trio of first-round victories. Although all three triumphs came via submission, he showcased improved striking in each contest, as well as a powerful overhand right that nearly knocked out Ahmed Mujtaba in his sophomore outing.

While Tye had a later start to his MMA run, he has enjoyed similar success. The submission welterweight king secured a pair of rear-naked choke victories over Adrian Lee in September 2025 and Shozo Isojima in November 2025, all while displaying his varied stand-up repertoire.

The Ruotolo brothers are still developing, but Paez has taken notice.

As someone who has been training Muay Thai for nearly two decades and studying the world’s best strikers, he recognizes something special when he sees it.

The Colombian-American veteran said:

“I always tune in. They’re killin’ it. I think their striking is getting better every single time that they step in there, and of course, they’re going to stick to their roots, but I feel like they can hang with the best on the feet. They got good striking, and they’re fully committed to everything they throw. I think that’s one of their best attributes.”

Paez Ready For His Shining Moment At ONE Fight Night 40

Diego Paez has seen several of his Classic Fight Team stablemates, including the Ruotolo brothers, get big wins lately. But now, it’s his turn.

The Californian enters the flyweight Muay Thai battle at ONE Fight Night 40 with momentum, having edged out Malaysian sensation Johan “Jojo” Ghazali via split decision last June.

While Paez was satisfied with the win, he’s hungry for something more definitive. He wants a decisive finish, a signature performance that leaves no doubt. And he believes Black Panther is the perfect opponent to deliver that trademark moment on February 13.

He said:

“I really want a finish. I was so used to coming off of five-round fights, so these three-round fights, I need to start a lot quicker. And I feel like with this body in front of me, what a perfect matchup to get a finish on too, because he’s a tough guy, and the Thais aren’t easy to finish. So, I’m excited to go out there and perform.”