ONE Championship has unveiled two blockbuster lightweight MMA showdowns featuring grappling phenom Tye Ruotolo and Japanese legend Shinya Aoki at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which goes down inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16. Tye Ruotolo, the reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion, will make his second mixed martial arts appearance against undefeated Japanese fighter Shozo Isojima, while Aoki, a former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion, faces compatriot Hiroyuki Tetsuka in what could be the 42-year-old legend’s historic 50th career victory.
Tye Ruotolo Seeks Second MMA Victory
The 22-year-old American grappling ace returns to mixed martial arts competition following his spectacular submission victory over undefeated prospect Adrian Lee in September at ONE Fight Night 35. Tye Ruotolo earned a $50,000 performance bonus for his dominant showing, announcing his arrival as a legitimate MMA threat.
The California-based star has been perfect in ONE Championship career, compiling a 9-0 promotional record and earning victories over elite submission grapplers like Garry Tonon, Marat Gafurov, Reinier de Ridder, and Dante Leon. Tye Ruotolo captured the inaugural ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title by defeating Russia’s Magomed Abdulkadirov in November 2023, establishing himself as one of the organization’s most dynamic talents.
Isojima, age 28, presents a formidable challenge with his unblemished 6-0 professional record. The Japanese fighter also earned a $50,000 performance bonus in his ONE debut, demonstrating the finishing ability that makes him dangerous name in the lightweight division. It’s a battle between young lions to determine who will remain blemish-free in their MMA careers.
Shinya Aoki Eyes Historic 50th MMA Win
Aside from Tye Ruotolo, Japanese icon Aoki will look to make his presence felt as he pursues his 50th career victory. The 42-year-old legend has compiled a remarkable 49-11 professional record, including 15 promotional victories with 13 finishes.
Aoki is widely regarded as one of the greatest submission specialists in mixed martial arts history, having captured the ONE Lightweight MMA World Championship while competing against the sport’s best competitors throughout his legendary career. The veteran has also competed in several submission grappling matches, showcasing his world-class ground game across multiple competitive formats.
The former champion enters his all-Japanese lightweight clash with Tetsuka on a two-fight winning streak in MMA. Meanwhile, after a competitive career in the welterweight ranks, Tetsuka – a former Pancrase Champion – moves down a weight class to settle his beef with “Tobikan Judan.”
Tye Ruotolo’s Rapid MMA Ascent Continues in Tokyo
The American prodigy’s transition to mixed martial arts has been seamless despite spending years dominating the submission grappling scene. Tye Ruotolo’s victory over Lee showcased not only his elite ground skills, but also his ability to adapt striking and ring control into his arsenal, suggesting a bright future in MMA.
Ruotolo’s willingness to face another undefeated opposition in just his second MMA bout demonstrates his confidence and ambition. The submission grappling king seeks to prove his successful debut was no fluke while continuing his perfect record across both submission grappling and mixed martial arts competition.
ONE 173 takes place on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
