Magomed Abdulkadirov will step into the spotlight on Friday, November 3, for a showdown with Tye Ruotolo at ONE Fight Night 16. The inaugural ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling Championship will be on the line in the evening’s co-main event. And while the world may be expecting Ruotolo to dominate, the Russian star is ready to turn the grappling world on its head.
“I’m confident in my abilities, and I will be able to prove that Russian and Dagestani grappling is at a world-class level. If you are not confident, you have nothing to do at this level. My hard work must pay off. I create the situations, but the result is up to the Almighty. My plan is to force my own game on him and get my opponent to make mistakes,” Abdulkadirov told ONE Championship.
While Abdulkadirov wants to show the power of Dagestani wrestling, he is also aware of the life-changing stakes at hand. To become a true World Champion in U.S. primetime would take his career to a new level and put him on a different level. After years of dedication to the sport, Abdulkadirov knows a victory will significantly change his career.
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“The victory and the ONE World Title would start a new chapter in my career, in my life. I have given my whole youth to this sport, and I am extremely motivated to win the vacant belt to write my name in history,” Abdulkadirov remarked.
But getting the win will not be easy. Ruotolo is the heavy favorite for a reason. The 20-year-old has been incredible since joining ONE Championship. Abdulkadirov notes how Ruotolo’s hunger has driven him to be at the top of his game.
However, the Russian star believes he has every tool available to pull off the upset. He is not just coming for a good showing, he wants the gold. Abdulkadirov intends to prove that he has skills that will make him a threat even if he is underneath Ruotolo at ONE Fight Night 16.
“My greatest strengths are pressuring, working on the offense, working from the top and from the back. I also have my favorite techniques: rear-naked choke and kimura,” Abdulkadirov stated.
Fans should expect this submission grappling battle to be fast-paced, as Abdulkadirov will seek to be aggressive from the opening bell. The Russian wants to frustrate Ruotolo and keep him off his game, leading to a submission opportunity. Only time will tell if he can execute that game plan, but he is coming into Bangkok, Thailand, hoping to pull off one of the year’s biggest upsets.
“The ability to put on constant pressure is the key to my victory in the upcoming fight. This way, I can force my opponent to make mistakes,” Abdulkadirov said.
ONE Fight Night 16 airs live on Friday, November 3. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
