Tye Ruotolo predicts how he’ll submit Izaak Michell at ONE Fight Night 21: “Whichever way it happens”

Despite the brave efforts of challenger Izaak Michell, Tye Ruotolo remains determined to defend his ONE welterweight submission grappling world title and has no intentions of giving it up.

The reigning IBJJF world champion, who is also the youngest to hold this title, will be defending his 26-pound gold for the very first time on April 5. He will be facing off against a highly accomplished Australian grappler in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs Nicolas, which will be available for streaming on Prime Video.

As a submission hunter at heart, Ruotolo asserts that he will not be satisfied with a decision win this time and is determined to force Michell to give up on Friday.

The 21-year-old prodigy expressed his wish to locate the challenger’s neck and execute one of his trademark blood chokes while talking to ONE.

“I think I’m gonna get on his back and choke him, or guillotine. I don’t really know how I’m going to submit him, I just have faith that I’m gonna submit him. Whichever way it happens, I’ll take.”

Without a doubt, Tye Ruotolo is among the most multifaceted grapplers currently competing on a global level.

Despite the lack of secrecy, it is clear that he favors overwhelming his opponents with pressure and ultimately pushing them to their breaking point by denying them airspace.

The Atos stud has already demonstrated his deadly choking skills by successfully executing a D’Arce choke on Garry Tonon and forcing Dagi Arslanaliev to submit with a rear-naked choke.

We’ll find out if Ruotolo can fulfill his pledge and defeat the resilient Izaak Michell at ONE Fight Night 21.

Tye Ruotolo admires Izaak Michell’s laid-back demeanor

Despite Ruotolo’s determination to defeat Michell at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, their relationship remains positive after the match is concluded.

The San Diego, California, native, in fact, notices many commonalities between himself and his upcoming opponent. In addition to their exceptional grappling abilities, Michell also shares the champion’s passion for surfing.

According to Tye Ruotolo’s statement to the South China Morning Post:

“Izaak, he’s got a cool lifestyle. I’ve seen in Australia, with him surfing and all that. We’ll see after [if we connect] but yeah he’s doing good stuff. I’m excited to have a match with him.”

ONE Fight Night 21 will be broadcast live in US primetime on April 5, at no cost to current Prime Video subscribers in North America.

The complete interview can be viewed below: