Tye Ruotolo has just defeated Dante Leon at ONE Fight Night 31 on May 2nd, 2025 and defended his welterweight title in the process. Ruotolo is the only champion that the division has ever known, as he won the inaugural title by beating Magomed Abdulkadirov at ONE Fight Night 16. He had only defended the title once up until now, although he had taken a non-title catchweight match in between. With his sole title-defense coming against Izaak Michell at ONE Fight Night 21, this match against Leon looked like one of the toughest tests of his ONE career on paper. There was some history there too, as Leon had already beaten Ruotolo by decision a little over 5 years ago at Grapplefest 8.
Ruotolo got his revenge, returning the favor with a decision win of his own after neither man could submit the other or even score a catch. Ruotolo landed an early double-leg that set the tone for the match, as he maintained top position throughout the majority of it. Ruotolo used great lateral movement and loose passing, piling on the pressure while Leon continually worked to attack from his back. Leon did manage to hit an entry into the legs in the final minute of the match but without enough of a submission threat to warrant a catch, it was Ruotolo’s early takedown and relentless passing that won the match.
ONE Fight Night 31 Full Results
Nong-O Hama defeats Kongthoranee Sor.Sommai via Decision – Unanimous
Tye Ruotolo defeats Dante Leon via Decision – Unanimous
Ruotolo retains the ONE welterweight submission grappling world championship
Abolfazl Alipourandi defeats Liam Nolan via KO – Head Kick
Lucas Gabriel defeats Zhang Lipeng via Decision – Unanimous
Abdulla Dayakaev defeats Saemapetch Fairtex via TKO – Knee & Punches
Akif Guludza defeats Sean Climaco via Decision – Unanimous
Jhordan Estupinan defeats Ali Saldoev via Decision – Unanimous
The full ONE Fight Night 31 event highlights, including Tye Ruotolo vs Dante Leon, is available to watch on the promotion’s official YouTube channel:
