Tye Ruotolo to challenge Christian Lee for ONE lightweight title on Nov. 6

Tye Ruotolo has never been past a first title challenge in MMA, and he is asking for the biggest one available. On Friday, Nov. 6, the 23-year-old American meets Christian Lee, a two-division champion, for the ONE lightweight MMA world title at The Inner Circle 37 in Bangkok.

Ruotolo arrives as the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion, and his MMA run has been short and clean. He has finished both of his opponents so far. The most notable was Christian's younger brother, Adrian Lee, whom he choked out in his debut in September 2025. That result gives this fight a personal edge that the title alone does not.

Ruotolo grew up in Huntington Beach, California, with his twin brother Kade, who holds the ONE lightweight submission grappling world title. He started Brazilian jiu-jitsu at three and spent his free time surfing and skateboarding. That background in risk and balance has carried into his MMA transition.

Away from the cage, he has been watching the survival series Alone and says he would love to appear on it. He admitted the food would be the hardest part and that he would rely more on courage than skill. He has also put his ONE performance bonuses into a gym in Costa Rica, where he spends time surfing and away from competition.

The question for Nov. 6 is whether a grappling pedigree and two finishes are enough against a champion who has held belts in two divisions. Lee's response to the Adrian result, and whether Ruotolo's jiu-jitsu can shape the fight, will be the central storylines when the bout arrives. The card streams exclusively for members on live.onefc.com.