The MMA evolution of Kade Ruotolo will continue next month as ONE Championship has booked the grappling ace for his third fight.
On Wednesday, a promotion official informed MMA Junkie that Ruotolo will compete in a lightweight bout against undefeated Nicolas Vigna on Feb. 20 at ONE 171 from Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar.
Ruotolo, who just turned 22 earlier this month, has made his name on the mats as a ONE submission grappling champion. So far, his top-notch Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills have translated well to fighting with a 2-0 start as a professional.
The Hawaiian made his debut last June at ONE 167 and submitted Blake Cooper in the first round for a Performance of the Night bonus. Ruotolo followed up five months later with a display of power and an even quicker first-round submission of Ahmed Mutjaba last November at ONE 169 for another Performance bonus.
In Vigna, Ruotolo will face an undefeated 34-year-old Argentine fighter with a 7-0 record. All seven of his fights, which have taken place in Argentina, have ended with finishes, including four submissions. Vigna will be making his ONE debut against Ruotolo.
