“You glorify the moment” – BJJ savant Kade Ruotolo says getting promoted on the podium is the greatest feeling

Reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo recently sat down with MMA legend Rampage Jackson. Appearing on Jackson's Jaxxson Podcast, the 21-year-old world champion spoke about his impressive career and what lies ahead for him.

One of the more interesting bits of the conversation was when Kade spoke about what it's like to step on the podium in Jiu-jitsu tournaments - something he and his twin brother and fellow ONE world champion Tye are quite familiar with.

Kade said:

“It just feels better. You glorify the moment. You put in all the hard work. Let’s say you’re a brown belt and you win Brown Belt Worlds and you make it to number one in the podium. It’s like to get that belt in front of everybody it just feels different sometimes.”

It certainly is a special moment to win a gold medal and stand atop the podium in a jiu-jitsu tournament, especially if it's the world championships. It's a huge testament that your hard work is truly paying off - and it can get truly addictive. In a good way, that is.

Watch the full podcast here:

---

Kade Ruotolo to make his MMA debut against Blake Cooper at ONE 167

Fresh off his performance bonus-winning performance at ONE Fight Night 21, Kade Ruotolo announced that he will make his much-awaited MMA debut at ONE 167 on June 7. Across the ring from him will be fellow American athlete Blake Cooper, who will fight under the ONE Championship banner for a second time.

On his upcoming MMA bout, Ruotolo told Rampage:

“It’s been coming along, for sure. I’m no Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali in the hands yet, but it’s coming along pretty fast I'm definitely comfortable. That’s the main adjustment. I'm definitely comfortable on my feet.”

ONE 167 will air live on US Primetime on June 7, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America.