Ruotolo Shocks Lee, Wins MMA Title In 3rd Bout

Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Tye Ruotolo stopped Christian Lee in the first round at ONE 170 to capture the promotion's welterweight title in just his third professional MMA bout.

Ruotolo, 23, dropped Lee with a striking exchange in the opening minute at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, then finished with ground strikes and a rear naked choke at 2:08 of the frame, MMA Mania reports. Lee had defended ONE titles across two weight classes for seven years and entered the fight with only one loss since 2019. He told media before the bout that he believed he could beat UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a hypothetical matchup.

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Ruotolo's Striking Stuns Veteran Champion

Most observers expected Ruotolo to hunt for grappling exchanges against the more experienced striker, but the IBJJF world champion from 2022 instead chose to stand with Lee and landed the decisive shots on the feet. He followed the knockdown with punches on the mat before securing the choke. Ruotolo now holds ONE titles in both MMA and submission grappling after transitioning to cage fighting only a year ago.

His twin brother Kade Ruotolo has compiled a 4-0 MMA record alongside titles at ADCC and Craig Jones Invitational. Both brothers made their mixed martial arts debuts in late 2025 after dominating the professional jiu-jitsu circuit. The next title defense date for Tye has not been announced.

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• MMA Mania — BJJ star Tye Ruotolo shocks Christian Lee, wins MMA title in 3rd bout | Video