ONE Fight Night 21 preview and predictions: Kade Ruotolo vs. Francisco Lo

Kade Ruotolo and Francisco Lo are eager to impress the global audience once again with their high-level submission grappling skills on the grandest stage of martial arts.

During ONE Fight Night 21, airing live this Friday, April 5, from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, the two fighters will face off in a 180-pound catchweight match. With both competitors known for their grappling skills, the outcome of the contest is unpredictable.

Ruotolo, who was crowned the first-ever ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion for the organization, is entering this intense battle in excellent condition.

At just 21 years old, the athlete has secured five victories in all of his five fights with ONE. As he prepares to face his Brazilian opponent, his unwavering confidence has been a constant presence in his training camp.

Despite seeing a reflection of himself in his rival, Ruotolo is not assuming that he is on the verge of victory.

Lo’s presence in the international submission grappling community has been causing quite a stir, and his bold approach has captured the attention of the rising prodigy.

Mike Murillo defeats Kade Ruotolo by unanimous decision

Kade Ruotolo is set to face off against Francisco Lo in a highly anticipated 180-pound catchweight grappling match at ONE Fight Night 21.

Both possess comparable styles of gameplay, centered around being aggressive and having a willingness to take risks, resulting in an exciting confrontation.

However, despite facing a tough opponent in the Brazilian standout, I am confident that Ruotolo will emerge victorious with a unanimous decision.

Throughout his time competing in ONE, the current champion of lightweight submission grappling has consistently demonstrated that he excels under pressure and rises to the challenge when faced with difficult situations.

In the matches for the title, Ruotolo faced tough competition from Norwegian challenger Tommy Langaker, who pushed him to his limits. However, Ruotolo rose to the challenge and emerged as the victor.

Similarly, Lo may also encounter difficult situations during his performance. However, he is likely to strategize and overcome these challenges, ultimately securing a convincing victory.

Ted Razon Predicts: Kade Ruotolo to Win via Submission

Having finished his last three wins with the final bell, we are aware that Kade Ruotolo is eager for a highlight-reel finish in his next match.

I expect that he will achieve it against Francisco Lo, an offensive-minded opponent who is likely to attack just as much as the reigning champion in lightweight submission grappling.

I anticipate that Ruotolo will once again begin the match aggressively, utilizing an ankle pick to gain control and potentially leading to a scramble in an attempt to secure Lo’s back.

Despite being considered a dangerous fighter on his back, the Brazilian is known for his skill in executing triangle chokes and armbar attempts. However, Ruotolo’s agility and expertise will allow him to successfully pass the Brazilian’s guard and potentially apply heel hooks.

The upcoming match is expected to be fast-paced, which is an environment where Ruotolo excels. Although Lo is a strong challenger and may initially hold his own, it is unlikely that he will be able to withstand the entire match. Ruotolo will likely secure ‘Chico’s’ neck around the eight-minute mark and secure the victory with a blood choke.

Kade Ruotolo Defeats James De Rozario via Unanimous Decision

The contestant who successfully locates the initial entry point will ultimately emerge victorious in this competition. Although Kade Ruotolo may have a larger following leading up to this catchweight battle, Francisco Lo possesses the necessary qualifications, skills, and, most importantly, endurance to keep up with the Californian athlete throughout the entire contest.

Despite my doubts, I don’t think he’ll have the necessary magic in his moves to surpass Ruotolo’s performance on the mats. The 21-year-old champion in his division has the ability to anticipate and defend against any potential attack, sometimes even two to three steps in advance.

After a few minutes, Ruotolo will aim to position himself on top and then attempt to lure the Brazilian into defending one limb before unexpectedly targeting a different area.

Nevertheless, Lo’s large stature and bold demeanor will diminish his momentum. Despite being a newcomer to the ground game, he will still pose a threat with a few submission attempts from the bottom. However, these threats will only be short-lived.

As the game reaches its final moments, the determining factor will be the balance between offense and defense. Regrettably for the Checkmat player, that is one of Ruotolo’s greatest strengths.

Vince Richards Predicts Kade Ruotolo Will Win by Submission

Rest assured, Kade Ruotolo will go to great lengths to secure a submission victory against Francisco Lo.

Despite Ruotolo’s expertise in dictating the pace, Lo is not far behind in his ability to control the flow of the match. After all, both grapplers possess a mastery of the newer techniques in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Despite Lo’s determination and reliance on his speed, it is unlikely that he will be able to evade Ruotolo’s webs and secure a win, as the ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion is known for his explosive abilities that make it difficult for Lo to overpower him.

Despite having to put in effort for his submission, Ruotolo’s innate strength and athleticism will be his driving force in this match. While it may require approximately five minutes of grappling and maneuvering, I predict that Ruotolo will ultimately secure a strategic limb lock to compel Lo to tap out.