In a grappling clash at the Craig Jones Invitational, Kade Ruotolo, the reigning ADCC champion, took on world No-Gi champion Tommy Langaker in an exciting three-round matchup.
The first round saw Ruotolo immediately take the initiative, pushing Langaker against the edge of the mat. Langaker, known for his guard game, tried to slow down the pace, but Ruotolo’s relentless pressure proved to be a challenge. As the round progressed, Langaker managed to secure a takedown, surprising many in attendance. However, Ruotolo was quick to react, threatening with a submission attempt from the bottom. The round ended with Ruotolo maintaining control, leading to a 10-9 decision in his favor.
The second round belonged to Ruotolo, as he showcased his dynamic guard passing and back-taking abilities. Langaker’s attempts to slow the pace and work from his preferred open guard were thwarted by Ruotolo’s constant movement and pressure. Midway through the round, Ruotolo maneuvered to Langaker’s back and unleashed a relentless rear-naked choke attack. Despite Langaker’s valiant efforts to defend, the judges awarded Ruotolo a dominant 10-8 round.
Trailing on the scorecards, Langaker knew he needed a submission to turn the tide in the final round. He came out with increased aggression, looking to set up a takedown or a submission opportunity. Ruotolo, however, remained composed and continued to dictate the pace, denying Langaker’s advances. In the closing moments, Ruotolo nearly secured another rear-naked choke, but Langaker managed to survive the onslaught.
When the final buzzer sounded, the judges’ scorecards reflected Ruotolo’s dominance, with scores of 30-26, 30-26, and 30-27 in his favor. The victory secured Ruotolo’s spot in the semifinals of the prestigious Craig Jones Invitational, further cementing his status as one of the top grapplers in the world.
