In a stunning display of his rapidly evolving mixed martial arts (MMA) skills, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) superstar Kade Ruotolo has scored his first career knockout victory, remaining undefeated in the sport. The 23-year-old champion, already a legend on the mats, is proving that his transition to the cage is nothing short of spectacular.
Fighting at ONE Friday Fights 154 in Bangkok, Thailand, Ruotolo faced a tough challenge in Hiroyuki Tetsuka (15-6), a seasoned MMA veteran with far more experience. But Kade, known for his incredible grappling, showed he's becoming a complete fighter. In the second round, he landed a spinning kick that set up a devastating feint. As Tetsuka braced for another kick, Ruotolo unleashed a massive right hand that dropped his opponent cold. A quick follow-up with elbows sealed the deal, leaving Tetsuka unconscious on the canvas.
The finish was a jaw-dropping moment that had fans buzzing. It marked Kade's fourth win in MMA, all by stoppage—his first three came via chokes, showcasing his world-class submission game. Now, he's added knockout power to his arsenal, a scary thought for anyone in the lightweight division.
Ruotolo's grappling credentials are unmatched. He won the ADCC world title in 2022 and took home the $1 million prize at the inaugural CJI event in 2024. His epic battle with now-UFC BJJ champ Andrew Tackett is often called one of the greatest BJJ matches ever. But at just 23, Kade is already making waves in MMA, balancing both worlds with his twin brother, Tye, who is also 2-0 in ONE Championship.
Unlike many BJJ legends who transitioned to MMA later in their careers, the Ruotolo twins are doing it all at a young age. Each fight shows noticeable improvement, and Kade's latest performance proves he's not just a grappler—he's a legitimate threat everywhere. As they continue to climb the ranks, it's exciting to imagine how far these athletic prodigies can go.
