Ruotolo Brothers Shine In ONE Debuts With Stunning Victories Over Shinya Aoki, Garry Tonon
Two highly anticipated lightweight submission grappling matches were given prominent spots on the main card of ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot this past Friday, 20 May, and the action did not disappoint.
The pace was relentless in the back-to-back battles, which pitted two debuting teenage stars against a pair of storied veterans. Ultimately, the bouts resulted in one jaw-dropping finish and an exciting 10-minute decision victory.
Here’s what happened at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Tye Ruotolo Quickly Finishes Garry Tonon, Makes History
Tye Ruotolo and Garry Tonon went head-to-head in a battle between two of the biggest stars in the submission grappling scene, but it was the 19-year-old Atos representative who secured a record-setting victory.
Ruotolo pressed the action early and capitalized on “The Lion Killer” accepting bottom position after a takedown attempt. The teenage sensation quickly passed Tonon’s guard and went on the hunt for a submission.
Working from the north-south position, the Californian shoved his American compatriot’s arm across his body and cinched up his signature D’Arce choke to get the tap at 1:37 – the quickest finish in ONE submission grappling history.
The win also earned the elated Ruotolo a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
Kade Ruotolo Earns Dominant Decision Over Tough Shinya Aoki
Kade Ruotolo showed he is at the crest of the wave in the BJJ world as he dominated MMA legend Shinya Aoki in their submission grappling tussle.
Ruotolo relentlessly pushed the action with innovative attacks all throughout the 10-minute encounter, and “Tobikan Judan” was forced to constantly defend the whirlwind of offense that came his way.
Despite the 19-year-old throwing everything he could at Aoki – including buggy chokes, rear-naked chokes, and guillotine chokes – the former ONE Lightweight World Champion gritted his teeth to get to the final bell.
Ruotolo may not have gotten the submission, but he left the Circle with a clear-cut unanimous decision victory.
ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot – Results And Highlights For Every Fight