Kade Ruotolo announced his MMA return in style on Friday, May 15. The American floored Hiroyuki “Japanese Beast” Tetsuka with a right cross in round two. Referee Olivier Coste stopped the fight at the 2:02 mark of the second frame.
It was Ruotolo’s first knockout in mixed martial arts. The ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion is now 4-0 in MMA with a 100 percent finishing rate. He also pocketed a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman Chatri Sityodtong.
How the fight unfolded
Both men threw out feeling strikes when the bell sounded. Ruotolo led with his jab and began shooting for takedowns. Tetsuka stuffed every attempt, but the American refused to abandon the plan.
Ruotolo, 23, eventually pulled guard to drag the action to the canvas. From there he hunted submissions through butterfly, half guard and lockdown. Tetsuka rode out the round patiently and denied every attack.
Round two opened with a different tempo. Tetsuka pressured forward with single shots and stinging leg kicks. Ruotolo continued operating behind his jab while looking for more takedowns.
The opening came when Tetsuka committed to a low kick. Ruotolo countered with a clean right cross that floored the Japanese veteran. He immediately mounted, fired short elbows and forced the stoppage.
Ruotolo’s MMA momentum continues
Ruotolo had been on the shelf for more than a year with a torn ACL. He spent that time supporting his twin brother Tye through his own MMA transition. Now he is healthy and chasing a fourth straight MMA finish.
The win is his most credentialed scalp yet. Tetsuka came in as a former Pancrase Champion with 15 career wins and 13 finishes. Next on the radar is the lightweight title held by Christian “The Warrior” Lee.