Tye Ruotolo says he’s out to face top lightweights Alibeg Rasulov, Christian Lee next: “I'm capable of beating pretty much anyone”

ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion Tye Ruotolo of the United States paid close attention to Christian Lee and Alibeg Rasulov’s world title match at ONE 173.

On Nov. 16 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, ‘The Warrior’ successfully retained his lightweight MMA crown with a second-round TKO win over Rasulov.

Earlier that evening, Ruotolo moved to 2-0 in his MMA career after submitting Shozo Isojima via a rear-naked choke.

After making quick work of the Japanese star, Ruotolo said he is ready for the big boys of the 170-pound MMA division.

The Atos standout says he’s even ready for both Lee and Rasulov if ONE decides to pair him up against either of them.

Ruotolo shared his ambitions in his post-event interview with the Bangkok Post’s Nick Atkin:

"Like I said, I don't really care to beat people that I know I can beat. I really want to challenge myself against guys that, you know, I don't know what's going to happen. I know that I'm capable of great things with the people I have in my corner and the skill set that I do have, I know I'm capable of beating pretty much anyone in the world.”

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Tye Ruotolo ready for next fight under any ruleset

Tye Ruotolo maintains he's still a two-sport athlete under ONE Championship.

While his MMA career is off to a blistering start, he's not forgetting his responsibilities as the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion.

Simply put, the 22-year-old just wants to scrap, regardless of whether it's in MMA or submission grappling.

"That's a good question. I keep saying wherever you guys want me, you know, wherever the fans, wherever Chatri wants me, I'm here to perform, you know. So yeah, wherever there's a sick opportunity next, I'm ready to go."

Watch the full interview with Nick Atkin: