HEAT INTENSIFIES: Kade Ruotolo Claims Mica Galvao Is Ducking Their Rematch

The grappling world just got a little spicier. Kade Ruotolo has thrown down the gauntlet, publicly suggesting that Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Mica Galvao is deliberately avoiding a rematch between the two submission wrestling superstars.

I’ve been covering the grappling scene for years, and let me tell you – when two of the sport’s most electrifying young talents start trading words, everyone pays attention.

The Ruotolo Challenge That’s Setting BJJ Twitter Ablaze

Ruotolo didn’t mince words when he recently called out Galvao during an interview following his latest victory: “I’ve been trying to get that rematch for months now. Every time we get close to making it happen, suddenly there’s a new excuse. I think the truth is pretty obvious at this point.”

The 21-year-old ONE Championship athlete and ADCC world champion has been on an absolute tear, cementing himself as perhaps the most exciting submission grappler on the planet right now. His aggressive style and relentless pace have made him a fan favorite – and apparently, according to Kade, a matchup that Galvao isn’t eager to revisit.

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Their First Encounter: What Really Happened?

For those who need a refresher, Ruotolo and Galvao first crossed paths in competition back in 2021, with Ruotolo taking home the victory in a match that showcased the incredible talents of both grapplers. Since then, both athletes have continued their meteoric rise through the ranks of submission grappling.

Galvao’s Side of the Story Remains Unclear

As of this writing, Galvao hasn’t directly responded to Ruotolo’s claims. The 20-year-old Brazilian prodigy has been busy building his own impressive resume, collecting titles and highlight-reel submissions that have many considering him to be among the most gifted grapplers of his generation.

Could there be legitimate reasons behind the match not materializing? Scheduling conflicts, contractual obligations, or strategic career planning could all be factors at play. Or is Ruotolo’s assessment accurate?

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What This Potential Rematch Means For Submission Grappling

Let’s be real – this isn’t just another match. When two of the sport’s most dynamic young stars collide, it has the potential to elevate submission grappling to new heights of mainstream attention.

Both athletes represent the evolution of modern jiu-jitsu: aggressive, submission-focused, and wildly entertaining. They’re exactly the kind of competitors the sport needs to continue growing its audience beyond the hardcore BJJ community.

The Fans Are Demanding It

Social media has been buzzing since Ruotolo’s comments went public. One fan tweeted: “This is the match everyone wants to see. Make it happen!” Another commented: “Ruotolo vs Galvao 2 would break the internet.”

And they’re right. In a sport that sometimes struggles to create compelling narratives that capture public attention, the natural rivalry between these two submission wizards is marketing gold.

Will The Rematch Ever Happen?

The ball appears to be in Galvao’s court now. Will he respond to Ruotolo’s callout? Will a major promotion step in to make the match happen with an offer neither can refuse?

I’ve seen enough fight promotion to know that sometimes these public callouts are exactly what’s needed to finally get the signatures on the contracts. The added heat and public interest can transform a great matchup into an unmissable event.

For now, grappling fans can only hope that these two generational talents will eventually lock horns again – and that when they do, they’ll deliver the kind of match that pushes the sport forward.

What’s Your Take?

Do you think Galvao is really avoiding Ruotolo, or is this just smart fight promotion from Kade? Would you rather see them meet in gi or no-gi? Let us know in the comments below!

And don’t forget to follow our coverage as this story develops – this is one grappling saga that’s just starting to heat up.