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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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Manchester City paid £62.8 million to sign Rodri from Atletico Madrid in 2019, and the holding midfielder has been worth every penny.

After taking a while to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, the City ace established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Rodri is Pep Guardiola’s archetypal holding midfielder, combining slick short-range passing with otherworldly press resistance.

He also brought another important weapon to the table – goals. He developed a knack for crucial goals, including the strike that delivered City’s maiden UEFA Champions League title.

His remarkable run from 2022 to 2024 culminated in a Ballon d’Or win, reaching the pinnacle of the beautiful game.

Unfortunately, it has been downhill since then. A long-term injury ruled Rodri out for most of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 29-year-old is no longer the midfielder he once was. He can still control the flow of the game, but has lost a yard of pace and his defensive prowess, both crucial to his position.

Also, he is entering the final year of his contract, which expires in 2027, leaving City to make a difficult decision. Do they sell or bank on him returning to his pre-injury form?

Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri

City have struggled over the past two seasons, and while there are other reasons, Rodri’s absence and lack of form have played a key role.

His progressive passing, carrying, and ability to win the ball back were crucial to Guardiola’s set-up. They miss him at his highest level.

But that has not stopped Real Madrid from circling the Spain international star. Los Blancos need a midfielder of his profile.

Madrid are crying out for a deep-lying midfielder that can connect the defence to attack, and Rodri fits the bill.

The 15-time Champions League winners have missed a dynamic passer at the base of midfield since Toni Kroos hung up his boots, an anchor for Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde to thrive.

Rumours of Madrid’s intent to swoop for his services this summer make sense and are not going away.

There are also reports that Los Blancos are willing to cash in on Eduardo Camavinga this summer if they receive offers of more than €50 million, and that Premier League clubs are interested.

It opens the possibility of transfers for both defensive midfielders, with one going in the other direction.

Then there is the Guardiola factor. The City manager could leave the club this summer, and that may prompt his midfield general to consider an exit.

Man City will be crazy to part ways with Rodri

Letting Rodri go now would be a reactionary blunder. Players of his pedigree do not exist in abundance.

Rodri is a rare breed, a metronome, a defensive screen, and a clutch performer rolled into one. In many ways, he is one of one.

City need to reinforce the engine room with another player who brings more physical presence and defensive bite, but that addition should complement Rodri, not replace him.

He is not past his peak, especially for a deep-lying midfielder whose game relies more on intelligence and positioning than raw pace.

He is regaining full fitness and gradually building rhythm. With a proper pre-season and continuity in the side, there is every chance he returns to something close to his devastating best next campaign.

City should be focusing on securing Rodri’s long-term future. Contract talks must be a priority.

With Guardiola potentially heading for the exit and Bernardo Silva widely tipped to follow, City cannot afford another foundational piece walking out the door. 

If anything, this is the moment to keep Rodri close.