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Legends never fade, and Rafael Lovato Jr. proved it once again in Tokyo.
The 22-year-old reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion Tye Ruotolo watched the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu royalty outpoint multi-time ADCC world champion Giancarlo Bodoni via unanimous decision in their middleweight submission grappling showcase at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, Nov. 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.
During his post-fight interview with Nick Atkin, the youngest IBJJF black belt world champion in history expressed genuine admiration for the 42-year-old icon's timeless performance.
"He's dominated in every generation. He's gone through so many different generations, and he's still just at the top, you know, so really sick to see him win tonight, and yeah, I'm super stoked for him," Ruotolo shared.
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The Tenore representative's praise carried weight coming from someone who has experienced his own rapid ascent through grappling's elite ranks.
Watching Rafael Lovato Jr. – the most decorated American grappler in history – systematically break down a dangerous opponent 13 years younger demonstrated exactly why technical excellence transcends age when fundamentals are perfected over decades of competition.
Watch Tye Ruotolo's full interview with Nick Atkin below:
Ruotolo authored his own highlight-reel moment earlier after watching the legend debut on the global stage of the promotion.
The 22-year-old extended his perfect MMA record to 2-0 with a first-round rear-naked choke submission of previously undefeated Shozo Isojima at 2:26 of the opening frame and pocketed a US$50,000 performance bonus for his highlight-reel finish.
Breaking down Rafael Lovato Jr.'s stunning performance at ONE 173
Rafael Lovato Jr.'s victory over Bodoni represented more than just a successful ONE Championship debut.
The American ground game wizard controlled exchanges, managed pace with veteran precision, and imposed his methodical, pressure-based approach across 10 minutes of high-level grappling against an opponent who made history as the first athlete to win back-to-back ADCC championships in the 88-kilogram division.
Bodoni was no easy test. However, the 42-year-old's veteran savvy proved to be the difference throughout their submission grappling clinic at ONE 173 inside the Ariake Arena.
Who would you like to see Lovato Jr. face next inside the Circle? Let us know below!
Fight fans who missed any of the action from ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri can head to this link to secure their PPV replay passes.
