“I’m gonna put him on his back” – Tye Ruotolo won’t back down from ultra-physical challenger Izaak Michell

As the current and undefeated ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion, Tye Ruotolo from the United States declares his preparedness for any obstacles that may arise from his upcoming opponent, Izaak Michell.

Despite Michell’s reputation as a dominant and physically imposing wrestler, Ruotolo is confident in his abilities and believes that his unorthodox style will be able to counter Michell’s techniques and secure a win.

In a recent interview with ONE Championship, Ruotolo declared that he would take Michell down and make him submit. The 21-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prodigy stated:

“I just want to put him on his back. I know I’m gonna put him on his back first and sub him from there.”

Tye Ruotolo is scheduled to defend his ONE welterweight submission grappling world title against Michell in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas on Prime Video, marking his first defense of the title.

The event will be aired live from the renowned Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Viewers in both the United States and Canada will have the opportunity to watch the entire event live for free, as it will be broadcast on U.S. primetime this Friday, April 5th.

Tye Ruotolo’s Determination to Defend His Belt: “Losing is Not an Option”

At ONE Fight Night 16 in November 2023, Tye Ruotolo secured the first ever ONE welterweight submission grappling world championship title with a unanimous decision win against Russia’s Magomed Abdulkadirov.

As he prepares for his upcoming world title defense, the 21-year-old American star is determined not to make any mistakes and risk losing the gold.

During a recent interview on The Shintaro Higashi Show, Ruotolo expressed that he feels everyone is trying to undermine him, and he takes it upon himself to safeguard his position of power.

“I’m excited. I’m really excited to defend my belt, you know. This is my first belt defense, and yeah, I’m so happy. I just got that belt, you know, obviously I don’t want to lose it because everyone wants it now.”