Tommy Langaker will get his shot at redemption at ONE 165 on Sunday, January 28. The elite grappler failed in his first bid to claim the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship. After several months of success around the world, he will get a second crack at Kade Ruotolo and the gold when ONE Championship returns to Tokyo.
The first meeting at ONE Fight Night 11 was very competitive. So much so that Langaker feels he earned the decision. It is a loss that still weighs on his mind.
“I do think it should have gone my way. But when I played guard and he was playing top, it may have looked that he was putting on a pretty high pace when he was passing, and it depends on how the judges score it and what they favor. I was countering everything he was doing. So I felt I was the one trying to be offensive in regards to submission attempts,” Langaker told ONE.
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Although he reflects on that performance, he is adamant he is not complaining. The Norwegian believes it is his job to get the submission, and he failed to do so. However, that first match has given him greater insight into how to handle the brilliant Atos BJJ star.
“It really does suck, and it’s a sour moment. But, you know, I’ve had many losses in my career, so I try not to dwell too much on it. I felt how he felt, and I know his style. I know what to be aware of, and I’m just glad I get the chance of redemption and show what I can do,” Langaker continued.
Since that match, Ruotolo has yet to step onto the mat to compete. Langaker, on the other hand, has been very active. In December, he took home gold at the IBJJF No Gi World Championships.
Langaker may be peaking at the right time. He is being mindful of his training, careful not to overtrain for his second bid at the title. The Wulfing Academy star is trying to walk into Tokyo in top form.
“I tend to do a lot more than necessary in regards to preparation, which creates a lot of pressure on myself and creates a very tense version of me that kind of hesitates. So, due to reflecting on this, I kind of restricted my training in amounts of hours,” the Norwegian stated.
The 29-year-old said he feels more comfortable heading into the rematch, but he does not deny there will be nerves. It will be the co-main event of one of the year’s biggest events. It is a huge spot for the Norwegian.
While butterflies will be swirling around his stomach, Langaker will not allow them to take control of the moment. He has a task to complete and redemption to secure. ONE 165 is his opportunity for ultimate glory in front of the world.
“Of course, I’m going to be nervous, but in a very manageable way. I am very confident in what I’m doing in my preparation and how I live my life that is going to help me secure a good match and a good victory,” Langaker said.
ONE 165 airs live on Sunday, January 28. The action begins at 3 a.m. EST/12 a.m. PST. The event is available via global pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com for $39.99.
