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Kade Ruotolo will officially defend his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title at ONE 165: Rodtan vs. Takeru.
On January 28th, the American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom will take on Norwegian star Tommy Langaker in a rematch on a stacked card at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
The two first met in June at ONE Fight Night 11, with Langakar challenging Ruotolo for gold. The result was one of his most entertaining submission grappling matchups of 2023.
The Norwegian posed an early threat with a tricky guard and heel hook attempt, but the defending King countered with his own leglock attempts and a relentless passing game.
The Atos representative ultimately earned the spot with a unanimous decision, taking the ONE slate to 4-0 and extending his undefeated streak to 19 consecutive wins.
However, Ruotolo has not played in a game since then.
The 20-year-old prodigy hasn’t been doing much on the competitive mat as he builds a new gym in Costa Rica and prepares to make his mixed martial arts debut.
Of course, he remains sharp alongside his twin brother Ty Ruotolo, the reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion who competed in August and November, but his long-term The layoff could be an opportunity for Langakar.
While Ruotolo has been sidelined, the 29-year-old rival has been in the best form of his career.
Since that loss, Langakar has a 14-1 record, including 11 straight wins that led to the IBJJF No-Gi European title and world title.
The Wolfing Academy representative knows Ruotolo’s game well after his first fight was decided and he is riding an incredible wave of momentum as he once again aims for the sport’s biggest world title.
If the first bout was any indication, their second matchup will be another thriller between two of the sport’s current pound-for-pound best.
ONE 165 marks the promotion’s return to Japan with a huge card featuring a flyweight kickboxing superfight between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Ken Segawa.
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