ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo will see a familiar face standing across from him at ONE 165 in Tokyo, Japan. ONE Championship announced a rematch for the gold with Tommy Langaker for its January 28 event.
The sensational mat classic will co-main event the event inside Ariake Arena.
The two hit the mat at ONE Fight Night 11 last June. Ruotolo took home the gold, but Langaker showed his skills early in the match. Since then, the Norwegian has been focused on getting his second crack at the American star.
Since dropping his first title bid, Langaker has gone 14-1 in competition, including winning the IBJJF No Gi European and World Championships.
Ruotolo, on the other hand, has not competed since that night.
Instead, The American has been focusing on his transition into mixed martial arts while building a gym in Costa Rica with his brother Tye. While he is still keeping his skills sharp in training, Langaker has been in active competition.
The rematch will bring tactics to the forefront of the discussion. Both men got to experience the other’s game and will now have to make adjustments for the rematch.
Both athletes are aggressive on the canvas, which means the rematch is guaranteed to provide excitement for grappling fans around the world on one of the biggest cards of the year. After a razor-close first encounter, the rematch has all the makings for one of the year’s most intense grappling affairs.
ONE 165 will get 2024 started with some of the most incredible martial arts action on Sunday, January 28.