Ruotolo Predicts Early Finish Of Lee At One 177

Tye Ruotolo expects to submit Christian Lee before the championship distance when they clash for the One Championship lightweight belt next week.

The grappling specialist gets his first title opportunity in only his third professional MMA bout, meeting Lee in Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium on Nov. 6 at One Friday Fights 177, according to Sherdog. Despite the experience gap, Ruotolo believes the fight ends well before the final bell.

Ruotolo Banking On Grappling Edge Over Lee

Ruotolo choked out the champion's younger sibling Adrian last September, locking up a rear-naked finish at One Fight Night 35. That family connection adds an extra layer to Friday's matchup, though Ruotolo thinks Lee will stay composed. The 23-year-old American acknowledged revenge would be natural, but credited Lee's professionalism across multiple title defenses.

While his camp has prepared for the full 25 minutes, Ruotolo told media he sees a submission coming much sooner. "I truly feel if you put me on the other side of the ring with anybody close to my size, the odds of me ending the fight are very high," he said in prefight comments.

Ruotolo enters as the underdog despite his submission prowess, with Lee defending gold for the first time since reclaiming the strap earlier this year. The American has competed exclusively in grappling competition until turning to MMA in 2025, compiling two straight finishes.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Tye Ruotolo predicts early submission of Christian Lee in One title fight