What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu about for you? It might be a mix of friendships, respect, pushing yourself to the limits, improvement… Or a mix of several things.
Which is exactly the case for Tye Ruotolo.

The 19 year old BJJ superstar feels that Jiu-Jitsu is both about respect and giving your best to submit the opponent.
Here’s what he had to say on the topic, following his recent post-fight press conference:

That’s my main goal, to be exciting and respectful at the same time.

And that’s what Jiu-Jitsu is all about; it’s showing respect to your opponent and going for the kill. So that’s what I wanted to represent [in his previous fight].

I want to represent Jiu-Jitsu in the highest form possible. And yeah, I like to think we [him and his brother, Kade] are doing a good job and keep it going.

Furthermore, Tye is excited to keep competing against bigger opponents:

I’ve been moving up, fighting all the big guys. And I’m figuring out the formula.
I had some success in the beginning and in every match I have, I’m becoming more and more successful with it.

And yup… He’s also eyeing a match against Reinier de Ridder!

The true essence of Jiu-Jitsu is being able to beat the bigger guy no matter what, with pure technique.
And I’ve seen Reinier de Ridder say that he’s gonna sub anyone in the world. I definitely want to test that.

He’s a bit taller, but I think can definitely sub him. Let’s do it.

 

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