WATCH: Kade Ruotolo Arm Triangle ONE 171 Showstopper Submission!

Kade Ruotolo, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wunderkind, showcased his grappling mastery once more at ONE 171, securing a dominant first-round submission victory over Argentina’s Nicolas Vigna. The Kade Ruotolo arm triangle choke that left the crowd in awe, allows the 20-year-old to extend his professional MMA record to a flawless 3-0, all wins coming by way of submission.

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The 20-year-old BJJ sensation continues his undefeated streak with another spectacular finish!

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Watch The Kade Ruotolo Arm Triangle That Forced Nicolas Vigna to Tap

From the moment the cage door closed, Ruotolo wasted no time asserting his game plan. He engaged Vigna with calculated strikes, setting up the takedown that would inevitably lead to his signature ground game.

Just minutes into the first round, Ruotolo deftly closed the distance, imposing his aggressive style from the start. Displaying a pressure game that we’ve grown to expect from him, he hit Vigna with that after-threat, almost coming close with a leg lock.

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“Oh, this is the end finish, the arm triangle. I don’t even hit that many arm triangles, so it’s good to get an arm triangle finish. I thought for sure after the first exchange, when I got to the leg lock that was the end of the fight. I felt the ankle pop, I hate feeling the ligaments pop like that. That’s never fun to feel that. Then I felt it in the knee stretch really hard.”

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Seizing another submission opportunity, though, Ruotolo locked in a tight arm-triangle choke. Vigna struggled but was left with no choice but to tap out after just over three minutes in the first round, marking yet another early finish for the young American.

Ruotolo exclaimed with a beaming smile during his post-fight interview. “It’s incredible to see my hard work paying off. Each fight is a new lesson, and I’m just getting started.”

The MMA Rise of the Best Lightweight Grappler in the World

Kade Ruotolo’s transition from elite BJJ competitions to the mixed martial arts arena has been nothing short of sensational. At only 20 years old, he’s not only clinched world titles in grappling but is now making waves in MMA with his aggressive and submission-oriented style.

With this victory, Ruotolo sends a clear message to the lightweight division: he’s a force to be reckoned with. His impeccable timing, seamless technique, and calm demeanor under pressure make him a nightmare matchup for anyone unprepared to handle his ground game.

Analysts are already speculating about potential future opponents. A step up in competition seems imminent, and fans are eager to see how Ruotolo will fare against the division’s elite.

World-Class and Still Improving

What sets Ruotolo apart is not just his skill but his mindset. He approaches each fight as an opportunity to grow.

“Every time I step into the cage, I’m testing myself,” Ruotolo shared. “There’s always room to improve—whether it’s my striking, wrestling, or jiu-jitsu. I’m hungry to evolve as a complete martial artist.”

His humility and dedication resonate with fans and aspiring fighters alike, painting the picture of an athlete committed not just to winning but to the art of combat sports.

Ruotolo’s success highlights the ever-evolving role of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in modern MMA. While the sport has seen a surge in striking-centric fighters, Ruotolo proves that elite grappling remains a pivotal skill set.

His ability to control opponents and finish fights without absorbing significant damage prolongs his career and sets a tactical blueprint for others to follow.

What’s Next for Kade Ruotolo?

The sky’s the limit for Ruotolo. With three consecutive first-round submissions, the anticipation for his next bout is already building. Will he face a seasoned veteran to test his mettle, or will ONE Championship continue to nurture his development with carefully selected matchups?

One thing is certain: Ruotolo isn’t shying away from any challenge:

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“I’m ready for whoever they put in front of me,” he stated confidently. “I trust my team, and I trust the process. This is just the beginning of an amazing journey.”

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With an extra $50,000 in bonus for his performance, we’re in for a lot more Kade Ruotolo MMA delights as he is fully dedicated to his MMA career:

“I have to be honest guys,” Kade shared. “I definitely want to defend my grappling title here, I got the belt and I definitely need to defend it, but if I’m being 100% honest, MMA is in my heart 100 percent. And if it’s what I want, it’s definitely another MMA fight. I want to get back in there as soon as possible and keep it in the first round again.”

Final Thoughts

The Kade Ruotolo ONE 171 performance is a vivid reminder of the exciting blend of youth, talent, and charisma that he always brings to the mats, whether it is MMA or grappling. Based on his statements, his perfect record, and his latest performance, we’re bound to see a lot more from Kade with MMA gloves on, rather than off, although I think Craig might be able to draw him to CJI again.