‘Buchecha’ shares why “dangerous” Tommy Langaker is the perfect opponent for Kade Ruotolo

ONE heavyweight contender Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida always keeps a keen eye every time Brazilian jiu-jitsu prodigy Kade Ruotolo enters the Circle.

As far as the 17-time BJJ world champion is concerned, the 20-year-old will be up for his stiffest challenge yet against his next challenger, Tommy Langaker.

At ONE Fight Night 11: Eersel vs Menshikov on Prime Video on July 9, Kade Ruotolo will look to defend his lightweight submission grappling strap for a second time against perhaps the most skilled opponent he’s had inside the Circle so far.

While ‘Buchecha’ believes the Atos product still has the upper hand, he thinks Langaker poses a major threat. The Brazilian analyzed the upcoming high-stakes grappling war in an interview with ONE Championship:

“[Tommy Langaker is] dangerous for an opponent, and I think that’s why it’s gonna be a good fight. And I think [Kade’s] the kind of guy that doesn’t really care where he plays, from top or bottom, but I know Tommy will prefer to be on the bottom playing guard.”

‘Buchecha’ take is definitely on point, given Langaker’s fearsome reputation on the mats.

The Norwegian-born grappler has made a lot of noise in the grappling world in recent years and extended his success in the Circle by beating Renato Canuto and Uali Kurzhev.

Kade Ruotolo, for one, has complimented the Wulfing Academy affiliate’s elite guard game, heading into their world title clash.

Then again, we’ve seen Ruotolo outclass the competition during his immaculate run in ONE Championship.

The youngest ADCC world champion laid waste to Shinya Aoki, Uali Kurzhev, and most recently, Matheus Gabriel.

We’ll see whose unbeaten streak will come to an end at ONE Fight Night 11. The entire card will emanate from the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok live on US Primetime and free of charge for existing Prime Video members in North America.