ONE 173 post-fight breakdown: Tye Ruotolo submits Shozo Isojima to stay perfect in MMA

ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion Tye Ruotolo (pictured) celebrates his win at ONE 173. [Image: ONE Championship]
ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion Tye Ruotolo (pictured) celebrates his win at ONE 173. [Image courtesy: ONE Championship]

ONE welterweight submission grappling Tye Ruotolo took another step in the right direction in his MMA journey on the global stage of the promotion with a first-round submission win over Shozo Isojima at ONE 173.

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Like he did against Adrian Lee in his debut in the all-encompassing sport, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt didn't solely rely on his ground game prowess to get the job done in this lightweight MMA scrap inside the Ariake Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16.

The 22-year-old looked far more destructive in the stand-up department, throwing huge combinations at the undefeated Japanese slugger that left him with little to no room to escape.

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Tye Ruotolo connected with heavy knees, big hooks, and overhands that landed with precision. Isojima did find a way to escape, but it wasn't long until the Tenore man pierced through his defense with lightning-quick combos in Tokyo, Japan.

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After dominating every exchange there, Ruotolo switched levels and slammed the N-Trust athlete onto his back. From there, it took the ground game specialist mere seconds to carve his route to another highlight-reel win in MMA.

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The American caught his opposite number with more strikes from mount, and when Isojima attempted to wriggle out of danger, he instantly hopped onto his back to sink in the match-winning rear-naked choke at 2:26 of the first frame.

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Official result: Tye Ruotolo defeats Shozo Isojima via rear-naked choke at 2:26 of Round 1

Tye Ruotolo earned another US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong for his second submission win in the discipline.

If his debut against Adrian Lee wasn't already impressive, the American submission wizard reminded everyone that he's leveled up by miles in his return at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside the Circle on Sunday.

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His strikes looked sharp and packed way more power. Had it not been for Isojima's grit, the Tenore affiliate was on his way to a knockout win on the star-studded card.

While he should definitely be happy with his second tapout victory in the discipline, Ruotolo has made it clear that he wants to add knockouts to his resume.

As long as he puts in the work, it shouldn't be too long before we start seeing him put opponents to sleep with his striking.

Of course, with more highlight-reel victories, it won't be too long until he works his way to a fight for gold against reigning ONE lightweight MMA and welterweight MMA world champion Christian Lee.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak
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