Ruotolo brothers, Kade and Tye, put the “winning” in twinning. With two dominant performances over formidable opponents at Flograppling’s 8th rendition of Who’s Number One in Austin, Texas.
Both Kade and Tye went into their matches scored as the underdog. Kade took on a rematch against DDS competitor, Ethan Crelinsten. Tye took on a last-minute replacement in Checkmat black belt William Tackett. These guys have remarked before that they don’t give much attention to the odds. So, being underestimated just fuels their fire.
Kade Ruotolo Silences Doubters
In one of his most dominant performances to date Kade left no room for doubt. He belongs at the top of his division. Ranked #2 in the 155 pound division, Kade is coming off a decision win over Crelinsten from their last match at WNO. Despite, a close match in their first meeting Kade told Flograppling he was certain it would be more decisive this time around. Just halfway through the 15-minute bout Kade found his signature darce choke earning a submission victory that earned submission of the night.
In his post-fight interview they asked what he did differently to prepare the rematch. In a phenomenal testament to trusting the process Kade said he just showed up as himself this time, “I made some immature mistakes in the last event as far as diet. I just came in more mentally strong, and physically, but nothing changed as far as game plan”.
Kade is currently 5-1 for his professional matches since 2019, and all of his submission victories have been sealed with the darce.
Tye Ruotolo Remains Undefeated At Who’s Number One
Tye Ruotolo is a regular at Who’s Number One. Usually, he’s competing in the 170-pound division where he is ranked no. 2. With his sights set on Craig Jones he jumped up to the 185-pound division for this event. When Jones had to pull out due to health complications, Flograppling’s 2020 break out athlete of the year, William Tackett, stepped up to the plate for the co-main event.
At the start of the mat Tye demonstrated control and composure in the stand up exchanges. He combined his wrestling with a foot sweep which effectively off-balanced his opponent several times. It even took him to the mat a couple of times. Tackett was able to find some momentum early in the match, but Tye had an answer for everything, including some very threatening back take attempts of leg entanglements.
As the 15-minute match wore on Tye only gain momentum, precision, and aggression. What began as a pretty event match, transformed into something very one-sided with Tye attacking from every where. Even before the decision was called there was no doubt in the commentators mind who won. Tye improved his WNO record to 4-0 with a unanimous decision victory.