The Craig Jones Invitational has once again delivered a matchup for the ages, as Kade Ruotolo and Andrew Tackett took the mats in a thrilling semi-final clash. From the opening bell, these two grappling prodigies engaged in a non-stop scramble, showcasing the highest level of jiu-jitsu skill and athleticism. Ruotolo, the 2022 ADCC World Champion, displayed his world-class passing game, while Tackett matched him with his relentless pace and slick counter-attacks.
The bout began with both athletes immediately going on the offensive, trading explosive takedown attempts and reversals. Tackett shot for a double in the first 10 seconds only to get reversed with a uchimata by Ruotolo to the ground. A quick scramble up was followed by 2 more uchimata attempts by Ruotolo with his whizzer but finally paid for it when Tackett made his way to his back and got the body triangle.All of this in the first minute.
The next 90 seconds saw Ruotolo fighting off Tackett trying to sink in the choke off the body triangle. Ruotolo finally broke free and got back to his feet. Both pummelled trading half hearted take downs till the last 30 seconds when Ruotlo exploded with a body lock takedown, spinning Tackett to his back in top half. Tackett managed to find closed in the last 10 seconds. All 3 saw it 10-9 Tackett.
The second round saw the action ramp up even further, with both athletes engaging in a series of high-intensity scrambles. Ruotolo jumped a scissor take down and got an inside heel hook which Tackett managed to spin out of. Back on the feet, Ruotolo again uchimat-ed his way into a darce attempt, and moved to an north south choke which Tackett quickly got out of. Off his closed guard, Tackett managed to get a calf slicer towards the end but Ruotolo escaped with some difficulty. 2 judges saw it 10-9 for Ruotolo, with one going 10-8 even.
The final round was a true battle of wills, as Ruotolo and Tackett left everything on the mats. Tackett went on the offensive in the first 10 seconds, shooting a double which allowed a go behind. A crab ride attempt from there resulted in Ruotolo having to escape to closed guard. Ruotolo was forced to open his closed looking to scramble back to his feet but again got stuck in a crab ride as he stood up to his feet. Tackett jumped to his back standing but was unable to get further and eventually got repelled. Reset on their feet, Ruotolo shot a double and put Tackket on his back. With Tackett forced to open up and try sit up to his feet with the round ending, Ruotolo got the opening to lock on an anaconda choke in the last 50 seconds. Tackett amazingly escaped in the last 10 seconds on what looked like a locked on submission. Another clear cut round for Ruotolo.
In a split decision, Kade Ruotolo emerged victorious, earning his spot in the grand final of the Craig Jones Invitational. However, the true winners were the fans, who were treated to one of the most captivating and high-level grappling matches in recent memory.
Ruotolo credited Tacket for giving the crowd such a scramble filled match.
Ruotolo prepares to face Levi Jones-Leary in the finals, the stage is set for another epic encounter.
