A Clash of Rising Stars in ONE Championship
At
ONE Fight Night 35, fans witnessed an electrifying lightweight MMA showdown between two of the sport’s fastest-rising stars:
Adrian Lee and
Tye Ruotolo. The matchup was billed as one of the most exciting bouts of the year, pairing Lee’s relentless MMA skill set with Ruotolo’s elite grappling pedigree. The result was chaos, drama, and unforgettable highlights that have already carved this fight into ONE Championship history.
Adrian Lee – Continuing the Family Legacy
Coming from the famous Lee fighting family, Adrian has been on the radar since his teenage years. Building off the foundation created by his siblings, Lee’s rise in ONE Championship has been marked by explosive performances and a maturity beyond his age. Known for his versatility, striking, and ability to adapt under pressure, Lee carried immense momentum heading into this fight. For a deeper dive into his early career and unbeaten run, check out our feature on the
teenage MMA phenom’s journey.
Tye Ruotolo – Grappling Superstar Turned MMA Contender
Already a household name in Brazilian jiu-jitsu,
Tye Ruotolo entered MMA under the ONE Championship banner with massive expectations. His ability to transition from submission grappling to mixed martial arts has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest cross-discipline athletes. Against Adrian Lee, Ruotolo sought to prove he could apply his world-class grappling in a chaotic MMA setting against one of the toughest young talents on the roster.
The Fight: Lee vs Ruotolo
When the cage door closed, fans got exactly what they hoped for.
Lee vs Ruotolo delivered wild exchanges, dramatic scrambles, and moments where either fighter looked ready to seize control. Lee’s striking combinations clashed with Ruotolo’s submission threats, creating a fight that showcased the future of ONE Championship’s lightweight division. It was a war that kept viewers glued from the opening bell to the final moment.
The Future of ONE’s Lightweight Division
ONE Championship (
ONE FC) is betting big on its new generation of athletes, and Lee vs Ruotolo is proof of why. Both fighters showed they have the skills to headline major events for years to come. Lee’s composure and adaptability mark him as a potential title challenger, while Ruotolo’s grappling mastery suggests he’ll always be a dangerous matchup for anyone in the division. Their fight didn’t just entertain — it redefined how fans view the future at lightweight.
The Road Ahead
For Adrian Lee, the win or loss here is just one chapter in a career that promises longevity and championships. For Tye Ruotolo, it’s another step in proving that elite grapplers can thrive at the highest level of MMA. Their paths may diverge for now, but fans can expect both men to headline future events, possibly even crossing paths again down the road.
As ONE continues to grow, bouts like this ensure that fans stay engaged, and the promotion cements itself as a global leader in martial arts entertainment.
