“I got my knee strong again” - Tye Ruotolo admits injury scare gave him a newfound appreciation for his career

ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion Tye Ruotolo is coming off a serious injury. It was an episode that he said was tough but nonetheless provided added perspective on his career.

The 22-year-old Atos standout injured his knee last August outside of ONE Championship that kept him out for the rest of 2024 and well into the new year.

In an interview with the promotion, Ruotolo shared what he had to go through in his rehab and how it has impacted the way he sees his career now. He said:

“I got my knee strong again and I'm super happy and super grateful just to have the opportunity to be back on the mats. It really made me realize how much I took for granted, just even competing. So, I'm really happy to have another opportunity to scrap for my belt.”

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Prior to getting hurt, Tye Ruotolo was last in ONE action in July, where he defeated South African phenom Jozef Chen by decision in their catchweight (186 pounds) submission grappling scrap.

The win extended the California-based fighter's undefeated run in ONE Championship to seven straight.

Tye Ruotolo looks to mark return from injury with successful title defense

Now fully healed from his injury, Tye Ruotolo looks to mark it with a successful defense of the ONE welterweight submission grappling world title.

The reigning divisional king is featured at ONE Fight Night 31: Kongthoranee vs. Nong-O II on Prime Video on May 2 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. He will take on the challenge presented by Canadian powerhouse Dante Leon.

In an interview with JitsMagazine on YouTube, Ruotolo expressed his excitement to get back into action after what for him was an eternity because of injury.

"I can't wait. Got my ONE title defense coming up shortly. I was out of commission for a little bit, and I'm chomping at the bit to be back in action."

ONE Fight Night 31 will be the second defense of Ruotolo of the world title that he won in November 2023. His first defense was in April last year, finishing Australian challenger Izaak Michell midway into their 10-minute clash.

North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch ONE Fight Night 31 live at U.S. primetime.

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Michael Murillo is a journalist who covers basketball and MMA at Sportskeeda with over two decades of experience. Michael has contributed as a proofreader, columnist and journalist for the Philippine broadsheet BusinessWorld.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in English Studies, basketball caught Michael's imagination from an early age. Varsity basketball helped Michael to express himself, and later, it opened doors into the world of journalism.

Michael has a particular admiration for the Phoenix Suns, inspired by Kevin Durant. Icons like Magic Johnson and modern legends like Durant have left an indelible mark on Michael for their revolutionary impact on the game.

Michael relies on the tried and tested method of thorough research to ensure accuracy in his content. He has interviewed multiple NBA players and officials with BusinessWorld, alongside athletes from various disciplines.

Michael's hobbies include traveling, hitting the gym and watching movies, and he spends much of his downtime seeing his family.

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Edited by Tejas Rathi