ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo was pushed to the limit in his first match of 2026, but when it was all said and done, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prodigy left the squared circle with his coveted gold on Friday, March 13.

The American successfully defended his crown for the third time, beating IBJJF No-Gi World Champion Pawel Jaworski at ONE Fight Night 41 on Prime Video, which broadcast live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.

Ruotolo wasted no time at all, as he immediately bounced off the ropes and exploded forward with a spear-like double-leg takedown to kick off the action.

As anticipated by the California native, Jaworski immediately hunted for leg locks, repeatedly targeting the defending titleholder’s lower limbs.

Both men engaged in a series of scrambles and leg entanglements, but Ruotolo remained composed, escaping danger while working to pass into half guard.

From top position, the American controlled the pace by pinning Jaworski’s hands to the mat to prevent the challenger from advancing.

The Polish grappler eventually caught Ruotolo’s leg to score the first catch with a kneebar in the final 90 seconds of the contest, though the hold lasted only a moment as the reigning king quickly slipped free.

With less than 30 seconds remaining, the American found himself under pressure, but he scrambled into top position and responded with a catch of his own by locking up a mounted choke attempt.

Then, as Jaworski rolled over and tried to scramble out, the welterweight ruler went for a triangle choke. However, time expired before he could fully secure the submission.

Both athletes recorded one catch apiece after 10 minutes of action, but Ruotolo’s constant aggression throughout the match convinced all three judges to award him the decision.

The victory marked the Californian’s third successful defense of the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title and improved his grappling record to 37-12.

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