"I want to get to the top as soon as possible" - Tye Ruotolo eyes fast track to ONE world title

Tye Ruotolo (right) moved to 2-0 in his MMA career at ONE 173 in Japan. [Image: ONE Championship]
Tye Ruotolo (right) moved to 2-0 in his MMA career at ONE 173 in Japan. [Image courtesy: ONE Championship]

Tye Ruotolo isn't interested in taking the scenic route to world championship gold in mixed martial arts.

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The 22-year-old reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion extended his MMA record to 2-0 with a first-round rear-naked choke submission of previously undefeated Shozo Isojima.

For his quick highlight-reel finish at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, Nov. 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena, the American submission wizard earned his second consecutive US$50,000 performance bonus in the all-encompassing discipline.

During his post-fight exchange with commentator Mitch Chilson, the Tenore affiliate made clear that his ambitions don't involve gradually climbing the lightweight MMA ladder.

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Instead, the submission grappling specialist wants elite opposition immediately as he chases a showdown with reigning ONE lightweight and welterweight MMA world champion Christian Lee.

"I have no idea. I want to get to the top as soon as possible. You know, I always say I don't really plan on beating guys that I know I can beat. You know, I want to beat guys that really can be a challenge, and I'm excited to get to the top as quick as possible," Tye Ruotolo declared.
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The statement reinforces what the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt has expressed since before making his MMA debut against Adrian 'The Phenom' Lee in September – he's not afraid of anyone and believes he's capable of putting away anybody in the world quickly, including Christian Lee himself.

Whether Christian Lee takes the challenge seriously remains to be seen, but with back-to-back bonus-winning performances and an unshakeable belief that he can compete with anyone, Ruotolo has positioned himself as a legitimate contender demanding attention from the division's elite.

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Chatri Sityodtong full of praise for Tye Ruotolo after emphatic submission win at ONE 173

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong wasted no time congratulating the promotion's welterweight submission grappling king shortly after his win inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Just as Tye Ruotolo stepped outside the Circle, the lifelong martial artist told the two-sport world championship-chasing superstar:

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"He's a tough guy, you made it look easy," Chatri Sityodtong told the 22-year-old during their brief exchange at Circle-side.

Missed the live broadcast? Purchase the ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri replay at live.onefc.com.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak
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