Tye Ruotolo secured a victory via heel hook in his recent match at ONEFN 13. The 20-year-old grappling sensation’s flawless record since his ONE Championship debut in May 2022 is a testament to his exceptional skill set. Ruotolo has conquered elite mixed martial artists, including renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts such as Garry Tonon, Marat Gafurov, and Reinier de Ridder.
During the event held at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Ruotolo faced MMA veteran Dagi Arslanaliev. Despite accepting the match on relatively short notice, Ruotolo’s performance underscored his ground dominance over Arslanaliev. The match began with a calculated wrestling exchange, during which Ruotolo demonstrated his tactical prowess.
At one point, Ruotolo engaged in a Russian tie, showcasing his versatility in grappling techniques. Although he couldn’t capitalize on this particular move, he effectively thwarted Arslanaliev’s attempts to gain a dominant position. Utilizing his agility, Ruotolo transitioned to Donkey guard after an unsuccessful throw attempt, initiating a series of attacks on Arslanaliev’s legs.
Despite Arslanaliev’s tenacious defense, Ruotolo’s relentless submission attempts persisted. With precision and determination, Ruotolo applied a hard reap and appeared to induce a tap from Arslanaliev. However, a misunderstanding ensued, as Arslanaliev denied tapping, prompting the referee to continue the match.
In less than three minutes, Ruotolo seized victory by capitalizing on a leg entanglement. Transitioning smoothly, he executed an outside heel hook, prompting Arslanaliev’s apparent tap. Although the match momentarily halted due to the misunderstanding, Ruotolo remained undeterred. He swiftly capitalized on the situation, securing Arslanaliev’s back and executing a clean RNC to claim the win.
Ruotolo’s exceptional performance earned him a $50,000 performance bonus, further solidifying his position as a grappling phenomenon. Moreover, his victory earned him the opportunity to compete for the inaugural ONE welterweight submission grappling world title in his upcoming bout, marking another milestone in his promising career.
