Shinya Aoki interested in potential MMA fight with superstar grappler Kade Ruotolo

No.5-ranked ONE lightweight contender Shinya Aoki would love to get a win back against newly crowned ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo.

However, this time around, he would love to do it on his own terms and in his own backyard. The pair of Brazilian jiu-jitsu maestros competed in an old-school versus new-breed grappling war at ONE 157 this past May.

The fearless Ruotolo put Aoki on the defensive in their grappling-only matchup and utterly dominated him throughout the duration of their 10-minute bout. The 19-year-old prodigy threatened Aoki with multiple submissions and rendered the usually aggressive grappler unable to mount any offense of his own.

Shortly after becoming ONE’s second world champion in the grappling arts after submitting Uali Kurzhev at ONE on Prime Video 3 last week, Ruotolo entertained the idea of possibly rematching Aoki down the line. He said during his post-fight interview:

“I think a very interesting fight would be Shinya Aoki. It would kinda be a cool rematch. He fought me in a grappling bout, MMA would be very intriguing as well. I fought him in my world, it would be really cool to fight him in his world. Maybe next year we can get that going.”

Word reached the Evolve MMA star who accepted Ruotolo’s invitation by writing on Twitter:

“#metoo”

In the same presser, Kade Ruotolo aired his desire to transition to mixed martial arts sometime next year. If that’s the case, Aoki would love to be the first to fight him under MMA rules.

---

Kade Ruotolo proved BJJ is king of the grappling arts by defeating Uali Kurzhev

After failing to submit the durable Aoki in his ONE debut, Kade Ruotolo vowed to right his wrongs against sambo specialist Uali Kurzhev at ONE on Prime Video 3 over the weekend.

Aside from a chance to win the prestigious submission golden strap, the Atos representative also wanted to show that BJJ is the superior grappling art over sambo.

Kurzhev proved to be a tough customer in the early goings of their fight, surprising the American with his sheer strength.

But in the end, Kade Ruotolo’s flawless technique and impeccable skills prevailed, as he locked in an extremely tight heel hook that left his Russian foe no choice but to tap.

The youngest ADCC world champion in history added another world title to his trophy case and even came home $50,000 richer after receiving a well-deserved bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.