Kade Ruotolo’s second MMA bout is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see if he can build upon his successful debut
While his grappling expertise remains his backbone, his decision to focus on striking and stand-up techniques makes this fight even more intriguing.
Facing an experienced and dangerous opponent like Ahmed Mujtaba, Ruotolo will need to stay composed, rely on his fight IQ, and be ready to adapt if necessary.
As Ruotolo steps into the cage on November 8, his goal is clear: to maintain an unbeaten MMA record and showcase his evolving skills.
The fight against Mujtaba will undoubtedly be a test, but with the right balance between striking and grappling, Ruotolo has the tools to go 2-0 in his MMA journey.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, not only to see the outcome but to witness the evolution of a young athlete with immense potential.
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Table of Contents
Ahmed Mujtaba: Formidable Opponent
Ahmed Mujtaba, known as the “Wolverine,” represents a challenging test for Ruotolo’s second MMA bout.1
With a professional record that includes impressive wins, Mujtaba’s striking power and experience in MMA make him a dangerous opponent.
Mujtaba’s background in boxing and Muay Thai gives him an edge in stand-up exchanges, a fact that Ruotolo is likely to consider in his strategy.
Mujtaba’s experience and ability to adapt in fights present a contrast to Ruotolo’s relatively new journey in MMA. If Ruotolo wants to secure his second MMA win, he’ll need to strike a balance between his natural grappling talents and his developing stand-up game.
This fight will serve as an opportunity to see how Ruotolo manages these transitions and whether he can handle the striking intensity of a well-rounded opponent like Mujtaba.
— Ahmed Wolverine Mujtaba (@ahmedwolverine1) September 23, 2024
Adapting Techniques: Grappling Meets Striking
- Ruotolo’s training under the Atos Jiu-Jitsu banner has given him a rock-solid grappling foundation. But to succeed in MMA, he must blend his grappling with effective striking techniques.
- MMA fighters often need to utilize “dirty boxing,” clinch work, and well-timed transitions from striking to takedowns to keep opponents guessing.
- Ruotolo’s grappling prowess allows him to threaten submissions in scrambles, and his challenge will be to use his ground expertise to set up other parts of his game.
- In his debut, Ruotolo showed glimpses of this by closing the distance with striking before taking his opponent down. This approach enabled him to finish the fight with a submission.
- If he can expand on this strategy against Mujtaba, he has a good chance of neutralizing Mujtaba’s striking while playing to his own strengths.
- Kade Ruotolo’s ascent in submission grappling has been remarkable, with a flawless record that boasts seven victories under the ONE Championship banner. However, MMA presents unique challenges, requiring fighters to be well-rounded in all aspects—striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu.
- For someone with a grappling background, the challenge is learning to integrate other disciplines, and Ruotolo is embracing the opportunity to showcase his full arsenal.
- In his MMA debut in June at ONE 167, Ruotolo did not simply rely on his grappling. Instead, he combined some sharp striking with his ground game, catching Blake Cooper off guard and securing a submission win at 3:20 in the first round.
- This debut highlighted Ruotolo’s ability to adapt his skills to MMA and set the stage for his transition from grappling ace to MMA prospect.
Ahmed Mujtaba: Challenges in Expanding His Arsenal
Despite his skills, Ruotolo faces several challenges in becoming a complete MMA fighter. Striking involves different mechanics, timing, and a level of precision that grapplers aren’t usually accustomed to.2
For example, maintaining an upright stance, managing distance, and learning defensive maneuvers to avoid heavy strikes require practice and adjustment.
Furthermore, blending striking with grappling requires Ruotolo to be comfortable with fluid transitions. Fighters often get caught when they hesitate between styles, and Ruotolo must avoid such pitfalls if he wants to keep a clean slate in MMA.
His confidence in his grappling roots could allow him to stand toe-to-toe with Mujtaba, knowing he has the option to take the fight to the ground if needed.
Ruotolo has hinted that his game plan for the fight against Mujtaba will involve more striking than fans are used to seeing from him. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, he shared, “I’m definitely not going to look to just grapple him right away, you know. I don’t want it to feel like a jiu-jitsu match.”
For Ruotolo, this statement underscores his desire to prove that he’s more than just a grappler. It’s about showcasing his versatility and evolving as a well-rounded MMA fighter.
Striking is a significant shift for Ruotolo. Traditionally, grapplers find comfort in taking fights to the mat, but Ruotolo aims to step out of his comfort zone, testing his stand-up game against a fighter with notable striking abilities.
The Importance of Fight IQ
Fight IQ is a critical factor in MMA, particularly when an athlete transitions from a specific background like submission grappling.
This refers to the ability to read opponents, adapt on the fly, and make strategic decisions based on the context of the fight. Ruotolo’s submission grappling experience may help him with strategic adjustments, as jiu-jitsu competitions require athletes to assess their opponents’ weaknesses and find creative ways to control or submit them.
For Ruotolo, this fight against Mujtaba will test his fight IQ. He’ll need to be mindful of his distance, look for openings to engage, and stay calm under pressure.
If he can maintain composure and avoid reckless exchanges, he’ll have a strong chance of finding his rhythm and dictating the fight.
Grappling as a Trump Card
While Ruotolo wants to showcase his striking skills, his grappling will remain his most formidable weapon.
Ruotolo’s ability to transition quickly and effectively into grappling mode, whether from a striking exchange or a defensive position, could spell trouble for Mujtaba. Once the fight goes to the ground, Ruotolo’s grappling instincts will kick in, giving him a clear path to submission.
Against Blake Cooper in his debut, Ruotolo leveraged this strength, using his grappling to set up submissions with efficiency and precision.
If Mujtaba underestimates Ruotolo’s grappling, he risks falling into similar traps. For Ruotolo, the key is to integrate his grappling without relying on it, thus keeping his options open while potentially surprising Mujtaba with his striking improvements.
Learning from the Greats: MMA Inspirations and Future Goals
Ruotolo draws inspiration from fighters who have successfully transitioned from grappling to well-rounded MMA careers, such as Demian Maia and Gilbert Burns.
These athletes have become MMA stars by expanding their skill sets and adapting their jiu-jitsu talents to a dynamic, fast-paced sport.
For Ruotolo, taking notes from fighters with similar backgrounds allows him to incorporate strategies and mindsets that help him grow.
Ruotolo’s goals involve a steady climb in the ONE Championship rankings. His goal is not only to continue his winning streak but to be recognized as a complete martial artist.
By diversifying his skill set and competing against high-caliber opponents, he’s setting the foundation for a promising future in MMA.
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Can Kade Ruotolo Finish Ahmed Mujtaba Inside the Distance?
Kade Ruotolo faces Ahmed Mujtaba in a lightweight MMA bout at ONE 169, aiming to continue his perfect run in the promotion.3
Mujtaba, on the other hand, offers a well-rounded game that could challenge Ruotolo’s submission-heavy style.
With Ruotolo’s grappling expertise and Mujtaba’s striking and defensive capabilities, this matchup promises an intense battle for control.
Ruotolo’s grappling acumen could play a critical role in this fight. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) phenom, Ruotolo has a wealth of experience, despite his young age, winning accolades like the ADCC Championship.
His ground game has been a formidable weapon, and if he can take Mujtaba to the mat, his chances of finishing the fight increase significantly.
In his MMA debut, Ruotolo displayed remarkable ground control, seamlessly transitioning between positions. His ability to secure dominant positions and lock in submissions quickly is why many expect him to end the fight within the distance.
Mujtaba will need to be particularly cautious about Ruotolo’s transitions, as they are swift and relentless, leaving little room for error.
Striking Showdown: Can Ruotolo Keep Up on the Feet?
While Ruotolo is primarily known for his grappling, his striking game remains an area of curiosity.
As he continues to develop his MMA skills, Ruotolo’s stand-up game could be tested by Mujtaba, who has shown effective striking in previous bouts.
Although not yet Ruotolo’s strong suit, he has expressed an eagerness to showcase an improved stand-up arsenal, which could surprise Mujtaba if Ruotolo chooses to engage in exchanges.
Ruotolo’s commitment to becoming a well-rounded MMA fighter may mean he’ll attempt to stand and trade blows with Mujtaba early on. However, if he struggles in the striking department, he can always fall back on his grappling pedigree, making the adjustment between striking and takedowns a pivotal strategy for the young American.
Ahmed Mujtaba Faces Against Ruotolo’s Style
Mujtaba has faced talented grapplers before, but few as specialized as Ruotolo. The Atos representative’s relentless pursuit of the submission could make it difficult for Mujtaba to find openings for his own offense.
To avoid being dragged into Ruotolo’s world on the mat, Mujtaba will need to utilize his footwork and maintain distance.
Defending against Ruotolo’s takedowns and finding counter-striking opportunities will be essential for Mujtaba. If he can keep the fight standing, he has a greater chance to exploit any weaknesses in Ruotolo’s striking game.
However, one slip-up could allow Ruotolo to take the fight to the ground, where Mujtaba will be on the defensive.
Physical Attributes: How They May Influence the Fight
Ruotolo’s physical attributes could also play a role in how he controls the pace. He has a lanky frame with a long reach, which can be advantageous in both striking exchanges and grappling engagements.
Mujtaba, while also a skilled athlete, may need to adjust his style to contend with Ruotolo’s reach, particularly if he tries to keep the fight standing.
Ruotolo’s reach advantage could make his jabs and kicks effective at a distance, while his long limbs facilitate quick transitions to submissions on the ground. Mujtaba must find ways to close the gap and avoid Ruotolo’s range if he aims to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm.
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Potential Game Plans: What Each Fighter Needs to Do
- For Ruotolo, his game plan will likely center around exploiting his grappling superiority. A quick takedown, followed by submission attempts or ground-and-pound, would play to his strengths.
- He’ll need to be patient, ensuring he doesn’t overcommit to strikes and leave himself open to counters.
- Mujtaba, on the other hand, may aim to keep the fight standing and maintain distance to avoid Ruotolo’s takedown attempts.
- By countering Ruotolo’s forward pressure with well-timed strikes, he could disrupt the American’s rhythm. If Mujtaba can prevent Ruotolo from setting the pace, he has a shot at testing his opponent’s cardio and capitalizing on any late-fight fatigue.
- Given Ruotolo’s grappling prowess and submission skills, he stands a strong chance of finishing Mujtaba if the fight goes to the ground.
- His superior ground game could overwhelm Mujtaba, making a submission or ground-and-pound finish likely.
- However, if Mujtaba can keep the fight standing, he may be able to draw Ruotolo into an uncomfortable situation.
- The question ultimately lies in how long Mujtaba can withstand Ruotolo’s pressure. Ruotolo’s adaptability and ability to capitalize on ground positions will be difficult to overcome, making a finish inside the distance feasible for the American grappler.
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