Adrian Lee Addresses Potential Bout with Tye Ruotolo

LockerRoom Team

26 May 2025

Rising MMA star Adrian Lee has responded to being called out by ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo for what would be the latter's MMA debut.

The potential matchup has generated significant buzz in the combat sports community, with Lee appearing confident yet measured in his assessment.

"Honestly, I was surprised when Tye Ruotolo called me out for his MMA debut. Personally, I don't think I'm a good matchup for him. I don't think I'd be what a good feeder for him is, if that's what he's looking for. But I'm excited for that match," Lee said.

While acknowledging Ruotolo's world-class grappling credentials, Lee believes there are clear gaps in the champion's striking ability that he would expose in an MMA context.

"With what I've seen from Kade Ruotolo, their striking right now is what you would call very green – it's very new to them. When they strike, it's a little bit awkward, but they tie it well into their wrestling and grappling because their wrestling and grappling is at such a high level," Lee said.

Lee recognizes that the Ruotolo brothers have a natural style that transitions well to MMA, which has allowed Kade to already see immense success on the global stage.

"I think that'd be a great fight. I think he's a great athlete. Him and his brother, Kade, they're phenomenal wrestlers and grapplers, and that really helps tie into their MMA game because of how dynamic they are. Their type of grappling style is more suited for MMA," the lightweight said.

Despite this praise, Lee remains supremely confident in his own abilities across all facets of combat.

"I have the grappling skills. I believe that I could submit Kade or Tye Ruotolo in a grappling match. Just adding that to my striking and wrestling skills, I really believe that I'd beat them everywhere," Lee said.

While open to grappling competitions, Lee emphasized that his primary focus remains on his MMA career. Still, he is not above chasing gold across multiple disciplines.

"Honestly, I'd be open to taking some grappling matches and even going for the grappling belt in ONE Championship, but that's not really my main focus. My main focus is to be the best possible mixed martial artist in the world," Lee said.