Kade Ruotolo defeated four-time Sambo World Champion Uali Kurzhev at ONE Championship on Friday, October 21, winning ONE’s Lightweight Submission Grappling belt.

Ruotolo, who recently became the youngest ADCC Champion in history, has now added ONE Champion to his collection. In 2021, he collected the Tezos WNO lightweight strap.

Ruotolo took the Russian’s back early in the match and attacked with a rear naked choke.  Unable to find the finish, Ruotolo slid to a d’arce choke to no avail. Kurshev defended Ruotolo’s attacks and returned to his feet, where he tried to counter a single leg takedown with a rolling kneebar. Ruotolo countered the counter, securing an inside heel hook and ending the match. ONE Championships awarded $50,000 to Ruotolo for the performance of the night.

In his ONE debut, the nineteen-year-old won a decision victory over grappling legend Shinya Aoki.  

Ruotolo is now 2-0 on ONE Championships, and may have his first title defense later in 2022. During the post-fight interview, Ruotolo hinted at a December return to ONE Championship and alluded to two potential opponents: Tainan Dalpra and Tommy Langaker.