Kade Ruotolo vs. Tommy Langaker 2 scheduled for ONE 165 in Japan
ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo will face Tommy Langaker in a rematch at ONE 165.
Reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo is set to defend his belt for the third time.
On January 28, at ONE 165 in Tokyo, Japan, the 20-year-old California native will square off with recent IBJJF no-gi world champion Tommy Langaker in a rematch of the pair’s 2023 contest, according to a report from Sports Illustrated.
Like all other submission grappling matches in ONE, the bout will consist of one, 10-minute round of submission-only action. In the event no submission occurs, judges will score the contest with legitimate submission attempts being the most important criteria.
Ruotolo and Langaker first clashed in June 2023 at ONE Fight Night 11. In that match – Ruotolo’s second defense of his lightweight submission grappling crown – Langaker scored early with a deep heel hook attempt, but Ruotolo stormed back with a look at an Estima lock and several back-takes. Ultimately, Ruotolo was awarded the decision.
While the champion hasn’t competed since that match, Langaker has been busy. He took home third at the ADCC European Trials and earned gold at the IBJJF No-Gi Euros and Worlds, capping one of his most successful years of competition yet.
If the pair’s first match is any indication, fans can expect another high-paced, closely contested affair in the rematch. Still relatively new to the no-gi scene, Langaker has showcased an improved leg lock game in addition to his vaunted open guard and back-takes.
Ruotolo, meanwhile, has earned the reputation of one of the planet’s most exciting submission hunters, capable of chasing the back in berimbolo exchanges, securing heel hooks in scrambles, and, of course, finding the grip for his trademark d’arce choke.
How to watch: Kade Ruotolo vs. Tommy Langaker 2 takes place on January 28 at ONE 165 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, and will air live on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.
