Tye Ruotolo Gets ONE Lightweight Title Shot in Just His Third MMA Fight

Tye Ruotolo is about to do something almost nobody does. He will fight for a world title in his third professional MMA bout.

ONE Championship announced that Ruotolo will challenge Christian Lee for the ONE lightweight title at ONE: The Inner Circle 37 on November 6 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The promotion billed it as "World Champions COLLIDE."

Ruotolo holds a 2-0 MMA record with both wins coming by rear-naked choke in 2025. He is also a dominant force in ONE's grappling division, holding a 9-0 record under the banner and currently reigning as the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion.

Lee is one of the most dangerous fighters in ONE history. The champion carries an 18-4 record with 13 knockouts and four submission victories. His most recent fight was a second-round knee stoppage of Alibeg Rasulov in November 2025. Lee has lost just one of his last 11 bouts.

The matchup is a fascinating clash of styles. Ruotolo is an elite grappler still learning the striking game, while Lee is a proven finisher with serious power and championship experience. Whether Ruotolo's world-class jiu-jitsu can close the gap against a veteran champion remains the central question heading into Bangkok.