The long-awaited transition is officially underway. Tye Ruotolo, a name synonymous with elite-level grappling, is poised to step into the mixed martial arts cage for the first time. The multiple-time grappling champion is scheduled to make his professional MMA debut against the young, undefeated prospect Adrian Lee at ONE Fight Night 35.
The highly anticipated event is slated to take place at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 5th. ONE Championship officials have confirmed the booking, setting the stage for one of the most intriguing crossover debuts in recent memory.
Tye and his twin brother, Kade Ruotolo, first signed with ONE Championship with a clear intent: to conquer both the submission grappling and mixed martial arts landscapes. While Kade has already successfully embarked on his MMA journey, currently holding a perfect 3-0 professional record, Tye is now set to follow suit, bringing his formidable ground skills to the all-encompassing sport.
Known for his dynamic and aggressive grappling style, Tye Ruotolo has already collected victories over a host of distinguished competitors in the grappling world, including notable names like Garry Tonon, Marat Gafurov, and even former two-division ONE champion Reinier de Ridder. His ability to finish opponents and navigate complex ground exchanges has made him a standout performer.
For his first foray into MMA, Ruotolo certainly isn`t being handed a warm-up fight. His opponent, Adrian Lee, arrives with his own impressive resume, albeit in the MMA realm. At just 19 years old, Lee is undefeated in his professional career, boasting a 3-0 record under the ONE Championship banner.
Adrian Lee also carries a significant lineage, following in the footsteps of his decorated older siblings, Christian Lee and Angela Lee, both former long-reigning ONE world champions. Like his family members, Adrian has shown a penchant for finishing fights, with all three of his professional victories coming by way of submission. It appears the family tradition of dominance, particularly on the ground, continues.
This matchup presents a fascinating clash of backgrounds: a grappling legend making his initial steps in MMA against an undefeated young lion who is already showing submission prowess within the sport. It`s a significant test for Tye Ruotolo right out of the gate and an opportunity for Adrian Lee to add a world-renowned name to his burgeoning record. All eyes will be on Bangkok in September to see how Ruotolo`s elite grappling pedigree translates to the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts.
