“The boys are to be congratulated” - Buchecha impressed by Ruotolo brothers’ grappling evolution

Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida was overjoyed to hear about the Ruotolo twins’ recent success at the ADCC World Championships last month.

Few fans remember, but 'Buchecha' had the opportunity to commentate Tye and Kade’s first submission grappling contest back in May at ONE 157. Having front-row seats to their legendary performances over grappling veterans Shinya Aoki and Garry Tonon, the 17-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion knew from the onset that this was just the beginning.

Impressed by their growth in such a short amount of time, the American Top Team representative told ONE Championship:

“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. And Tye put on a show in the absolute. In my opinion, he should have gone to the final. As it was for the judges' decision, he ended up losing and taking bronze in the absolute.”

In the tournament, Kade Ruotolo steamrolled his way past four opponents to win ADCC gold - the youngest champion to ever claim a world title in the event’s history.

His twin brother Tye also delivered a performance that was nothing short of amazing. He lost his first round in the 88 kg weight class but rebounded with back-to-back wins to earn bronze in the absolute category.

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'Buchecha' looks forward to watching Kade Ruotolo at ONE on Prime Video 3

Marcus 'Buchecha' knows first-hand how difficult it is to fight bigger and heavier competitors after personally claiming six absolute gold medals of his own. Therefore, the Brazilian powerhouse offered the twins his congratulations for achieving such a major accomplishment at only 19 years of age.

In the same interview, the 32-year-old superstar said:

“Only those who have fought an absolute know how difficult it is to get on the podium and win a medal. 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.”

At the moment, Kade Ruotolo has a second opportunity to win another grand prize. He’s scheduled to lock horns with decorated sambo practitioner Uali Kurzhev for the ONE lightweight submission grappling world title at ONE on Prime Video 3 which takes place on Friday, October 21 via Amazon Prime Video.

With the fight just days away, 'Buchecha' has no doubt that the young phenom will knock this one out the park:

"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.”