ONE 173 Denver: BJJ Elite Collide as Garry Tonon Faces Kade Ruotolo in Submission Grappling Showdown

The grappling world is about to witness a dream matchup as two of America’s most accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts prepare to battle on Colorado soil. Garry Tonon and Kade Ruotolo will lock horns in a high-stakes middleweight submission grappling contest on August 1 at ONE 173: Denver, and BJJ fans across the nation are already buzzing with anticipation.

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Clash of American BJJ Royalty

This isn’t just another grappling match—it’s a collision between two generations of American submission wrestling excellence. Tonon, the 32-year-old “Lion Killer” from New Jersey, has long been regarded as one of the most innovative and entertaining grapplers on the planet. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Ruotolo has exploded onto the scene as a prodigy, capturing the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship and establishing himself as perhaps the most exciting young talent in the sport.

When I first heard about this matchup, I honestly had to do a double-take. These two have been on seemingly inevitable collision course for years, and now we finally get to see it happen on a major stage in Denver.

Tale of the Tape: Experience vs. Youth

Tonon’s Path to Denver

Garry Tonon has been relatively quiet on the pure grappling front recently, focusing instead on his MMA career with ONE Championship where he’s compiled an impressive 6-2 record. His transition to striking has been remarkable, but make no mistake—his submission game remains elite.

The “Lion Killer” returns to his grappling roots for this contest, and I’ve got to wonder if we’ll see the same creative, risk-taking Tonon who made the Danaher Death Squad infamous, or a more measured approach developed through his MMA experience.

Ruotolo’s Unstoppable Rise

At just 21, Kade Ruotolo has already accomplished what takes most grapplers a lifetime. The ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion has been practically untouchable in the promotion, with dominant victories over former UFC lightweight champion Shinya Aoki, ADCC champion Uali Kurzhev, and Turkish standout Shamil Gasanov.

His aggressive, pace-pushing style has revolutionized modern jiu-jitsu, focusing on constant movement rather than static positional control. You simply can’t take your eyes off him for a second.

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What’s at Stake in Denver?

While Ruotolo’s championship isn’t on the line (this bout takes place at middleweight rather than lightweight), there’s plenty at stake beyond gold. For Tonon, this represents a chance to reassert his dominance in pure grappling and prove that the veteran still has the tools to defeat the sport’s brightest young star.

For Ruotolo, defeating someone of Tonon’s caliber would further cement his status as the present and future of submission grappling. There’s also the question of whether this could be a stepping stone toward an MMA career—something Kade and his twin brother Tye have frequently hinted at.

Stylistic Chess Match

What makes this matchup particularly intriguing is the clash of styles. Tonon’s methodical approach and renowned leg lock game against Ruotolo’s frenetic pace and back-taking prowess creates a fascinating technical puzzle. Can Tonon slow down and trap the younger grappler? Or will Ruotolo’s cardio and creativity prove too much?

I’m particularly curious to see if Tonon attacks the legs early or if he adapts to counter Ruotolo’s aggressive top game. These tactical decisions could determine who walks away victorious.

ONE 173: Beyond the Main Event

While Tonon vs. Ruotolo is generating massive buzz, ONE 173: Denver features a stacked card as the promotion continues its expansion into the U.S. market. This marks ONE Championship’s first event in Colorado, following successful shows in Colorado and Georgia.

The full card is still being assembled, but early indications suggest several title fights and other high-profile matchups that should make this a must-watch event for combat sports fans.

How to Watch This Historic Showdown

ONE 173: Denver will stream live on August 1st, with the event expected to be available on ONE’s global broadcast partners including Amazon Prime Video for U.S. viewers. Given ONE’s typical event structure, expect the prelims to begin in the evening with the main card following.

If you’re a grappling enthusiast or MMA fan in the Denver area, tickets should be available through ONE Championship’s official channels and local venues soon. I’d recommend grabbing them early—with a matchup this significant, they won’t last long.

Final Thoughts: Why This Match Matters

As someone who’s covered submission grappling for years, I can confidently say this is one of the most significant pure grappling matches to hit American soil in recent memory. When two technicians of this caliber meet on a major promotion’s stage, the potential for something special exists.

Whether you’re a hardcore BJJ fan or a casual combat sports enthusiast, Tonon vs. Ruotolo represents the pinnacle of technical ground fighting—a chess match with human bodies that showcases the very best of what submission grappling can be.

Will the veteran Tonon remind everyone why he’s been considered American grappling royalty for the past decade? Or will Ruotolo continue his meteoric rise by adding another legend to his growing list of conquests? August 1st can’t come soon enough.

What’s your prediction for this epic submission battle? Let me know in the comments below!

Source: ONE Championship