“It’s not a worry for me so much” - Tye Ruotolo writes off Shozo Isojima’s grappling skills ahead of MMA showdown at ONE 173

ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion-turned MMA fighter Tye Ruotolo isn’t the least bit worried that he could end up in an unsavory grappling situation in his next fight against Shozo Isojima at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.

Ruotolo is one of the pound-for-pound best grapplers in the world, alongside his twin brother, reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo.

Against Isojima, Ruotolo remains confident that should the action hit the mats, he will continue to have the upper hand. He told ONE Championship:

“I haven’t seen too much of [Isojima’s grappling], but I’m sure it’s going to be solid. But, in that department, it’s not a worry for me so much. It’s nothing to be concerned about in the grappling department.”

Ruotolo also said he could be looking for a highlight-reel KO if it presents itself. He added:

“Maybe we can do a sick head-kick KO. That would be awesome. If I had to call it, I really think something like that could come. If not, who knows where the match might take us. I just want to be able to get it done as quickly as possible and come out healthy again.”

ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri will take place live on Sunday, Nov. 16, from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. North American fans can check out live.onefc.com to watch the event live via pay-per-view.

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Tye Ruotolo praises Shozo Isojima ahead of ONE 173 clash

As confident as he is, Tye Ruotolo isn’t taking his lightweight MMA showdown with Shozo Isojima lightly.

In fact, the 22-year-old has carefully analyzed his Japanese opponent, and has nothing but praise for the Tokyo native ahead of their ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri clash.

Ruotolo told ONE Championship:

“He looked good. He looked like he had some strength to him. He’s got some isometric strength. It seems like he’s comfortable when he’s holding guys up. But when he’s in a firefight, it seems like he kind of shies away from it a little bit. So, if I had to pick some of his weaknesses, that’s where it would be.”

Check back with Sportskeeda MMA for up-to-the-minute updates on ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.