ONE 173 preview and prediction: Shozo Isojima vs. Tye Ruotolo

ONE 173 inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena is packed to the brim with several exciting matchups, including this lightweight MMA gem between Shozo Isojima and Tye Ruotolo.

The 28-year-old Isojima returns for his sophomore outing on martial arts' grandest stage, ready to take another massive step toward his world title dream inside the Circle.

In his debut outing, the undefeated Japanese warrior earned a second-round TKO of Argentinian bruiser Nicolas Vigna. This performance showcased his world-class arsenal and devastating finishing power.

His all-around abilities will, however, be put to the test against Tye Ruotolo, who seeks to continue his momentum from his successful debut in the all-encompassing discipline this past September.

The reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion bagged a second-round rear-naked choke win over Adrian Lee at ONE Fight Night 35.

While his ground game prowess proved to be the difference, the Atos representative made the most of the chance to test his striking credentials against the teenage star.

Here's our official prediction for this lightweight MMA matchup inside the Japanese capital city this Sunday, November 16.

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Prediction: Tye Ruotolo via first-round submission

Though Isojima is as tough as they come, I see this ending in defeat for the hometown hero at ONE 173.

The Japanese sensation has a really good mix of striking and grappling in his arsenal. He's been able to trick opponents by switching levels in the blink of an eye, but that plan could hit a bump against someone with Ruotolo's fight IQ.

Tye Ruotolo may be new to mixed martial arts, but he isn't new to the world of fighting.

The 21-year-old warrior would assess Isojima's attacking patterns from the opening seconds, and he'll feint with a one-two or other combos before immediately taking the match to the canvas.

Isojima will put up a good fight there. He'll wriggle out of Ruotolo's tight grip and find a way to free any trapped limbs.

However, it'll also leave the American martial artist plenty of room to switch between submissions and secure yet another tapout win in ONE Championship.

Fight fans can purchase their PPV passes for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri by following this link.