Jozef Chen will make his ONE Championship debut in U.S. primetime on Friday, July 5, at ONE Struggle Evening 23. The gifted teen will meet Tye Ruotolo in a 186-pound catchweight submission grappling showcase. The step-up in competitors has not deterred the 19-year-old.
Chen Excited to Meet Ruotolo in Submission Grappling Showcase
“I’ve a good suggestion of what he’s going to do. However, I imply, one of the simplest ways to check out numerous these concepts on what may match or might not work is definitely having the match. I imply, he’s very younger. I believe he’s a bit older than me, however I assume in our careers, it gained’t be the one time we cross paths. So I believe it’s a fantastic alternative for me to check numerous the stuff I’ve been engaged on,” Chen advised ONE.
The notion could also be that the teenager is combating an uphill battle towards the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion. Nevertheless, Chen doesn’t imagine the expertise hole is that totally different. If there may be any benefit for the American, Chen identifies the expertise edge as the place the distinction really lies.
“I believe his model comes on account of how lengthy he’s skilled and sort of the upbringing in jiu-jitsu he’s had. I’m developing on six years in jiu-jitsu, so I wouldn’t say I’ve as a lot instinct with what I essentially have to do, and in order that sort of manifests itself into what might be perceived as a methodical, slower method. Whereas I really feel like, since he’s been coaching for thus lengthy, he has an excellent thought of what he needs to do in sure positions. In order that’s the place numerous this extra instinct and dynamic motion actually comes into play,” the South African stated.
Ruotolo has been remarkably dominant since arriving in ONE. Nevertheless, Chen feels that it’s as a result of the Atos BJJ star has been capable of dictate the matches on his phrases, particularly from prime place. At ONE Struggle Evening 23, he can be seeking to make Ruotolo uncomfortable and difficult him in each space.
“My thought is certainly to attempt to take a look at numerous the abilities that I’m making an attempt to work on. So standing place is certainly one which I’m going to attempt to see what works, see what doesn’t, and attempt to play from that. As a result of if I can get to prime place on prime of Tye, it’ll be very successful from there. Simply typically, you see him wish to do his greatest work from prime. So having the ability to put him in backside, I believe this can be technique for me if I’m in a position to try this,” Chen remarked.
Chen’s ONE debut is not only particular as a result of it’s his arrival on the worldwide stage. The B-Group consultant has lengthy been a fan of Ruotolo. The chance to check himself towards one of many prime grappling stars of at this time is a part of the draw for the South African.
“Tye is certainly one of many extra thrilling and one of many extra well-accomplished grapplers within the sport. So, particularly for me, exterior of how good he’s and the extent that he’s on, I believe one of many issues that makes it thrilling for me is that I’ve been watching him for, man, since I used to be a yellow, orange belt. So having the ability to compete towards him, it’s a really cool expertise,” the 19-year-old stated.
The ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title just isn’t up for grabs. A win for Chen would immediately elevate him into prime place for a potential problem. But, gold just isn’t his prime precedence. For Chen, exhibiting his abilities to a captive world viewers is the reward.
“I’m very proud to have the ability to compete at this degree at this level. I believe it’s very cool, as a result of, typically, for me, jiu-jitsu, I wanna have excellent jiu-jitsu. The competitors is extra secondary to my jiu-jitsu. With the ability to compete and show my jiu-jitsu, that’s what actually makes me completely happy. It’s very superior to have the ability to compete towards somebody that you simply regarded as much as for thus lengthy,” the B-Group member remarked.
When Chen walks down the ONE aisle for the primary time, he doesn’t anticipate any first-time jitters. He believes his prior competitions all over the world have adequately ready him for this second, and it gained’t turn out to be a think about his Prime Video debut. Solely time will inform if that’s truly the case.
“It’s not the primary time. You already know, after I first got here to the U.S., like two years in the past, after which simply having skilled with and competed with so many individuals that I’ve studied rather a lot … , it’s not a brand new expertise to me,” Chen stated.
ONE Struggle Evening 23 airs dwell on Friday, July 5, on Prime Video. The motion begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The occasion is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers within the U.S. and Canada.
