Kade Ruotolo: A Champion’s Integrity
Kade Ruotolo, a 22-year-old grappling prodigy, stands out not only for his prowess on the mat but for his unwavering commitment to ethical competition. Despite his numerous accolades, Ruotolo is keenly aware that his legacy will be defined by his integrity rather than the sheer number of wins or losses. In recent months, the debate over performance-enhancing drug (PED) use in Brazilian jiu-jitsu has heated up, with top names like Mikey Musumeci and Gordon Ryan exchanging barbs. Musumeci, who recently signed a grappling-exclusive contract with the UFC, has been vocal about the rampant use of steroids and other PEDs in the sport, while Ryan has been equally outspoken, defending his own use of steroids and noting that many grappling competitions lack regulations against such substances.
The Ethics of PED Use in Grappling
Ruotolo’s stance on PED use is clear and principled. "In almost every single other sport that I know it’s not legal or any real sport it’s not legal," he told MMA Fighting. "I think there’s so much that goes deeper than just the act of it. I don’t think a lot of people understand the influence they’re setting for the younger generations, and that’s only become worse and worse and worse. I’ve seen it firsthand where you see 14-year-olds, 15-year-olds taking steroids. You’re just like this is not healthy." His observations highlight the broader implications of PED use, particularly its impact on young athletes who may follow the example set by their idols. Ruotolo and his brother Tye have chosen to remain natural, believing that true skill and technique should win out over artificial enhancements.
The Backlash of Speaking Out
While Ruotolo has been vocal about his opposition to PED use in the past, he has encountered unexpected backlash. "It’s a topic that I would talk a lot about back then, like a year or so ago, but now I’m at a point where I was almost getting backlash for talking against it in a sense," Ruotolo admitted. "I’m like I’m just going to take a backseat and my brother and I, we’re going to do things the way we believe that it should be done naturally." This shift in his approach underscores the complex dynamics within the grappling community, where some athletes feel the need to justify their use of PEDs, and critics face scrutiny for their stance.
The Impact on Competitors
Ruotolo acknowledges that PEDs can provide a significant advantage, especially for athletes like Gordon Ryan, who has been open about his use of performance-enhancing drugs. However, he also recognizes the long-term health consequences. "Longevity aside, the reason why Gordon is only competing every two years right now or once a year or whatever it is, is because of health issues," Ruotolo noted. "At the end of the day, he can never fight because of health issues. Then you can only get one camp every year, every two years to kind of be healthy for. I just think it’s not the way the body should be run. He’s in his 20s, he’s the same age as Mikey Musumeci and you can kind of look at the two physical states and judge for yourself." This comparison highlights the stark contrast between natural and enhanced training regimens.
Adapting to the Challenge
Ruotolo has faced several opponents who he believes have used PEDs, and while his technical skills often prevail, the challenge is significant. "To each their own. Everyone can do whatever they want," he said. "It’s just frustrating when I’m out there slapping hands with my opponent, I know I’m doing everything that I can do naturally, and I look at this guy and they may be putting half of the work in or if it’s not even the workload, just seeing they’ve got three traps on each one of their traps and two lats, you’re just like here we go." Ruotolo and his brother Tye have developed a style that emphasizes fluidity and adaptability, often described as "scrambly," to counter the brute strength of enhanced opponents. "The only way you can fight around strength is you’ve got to be like water. That’s the way me and my brother try to operate," Ruotolo explained.
Pride in Natural Achievement
Despite the challenges, Ruotolo remains committed to his principles. "We know that when we get those results, we get those ‘W’s, we enjoy all of it with zero sense of like ‘I wonder if I could have done that without steroids,’” he said. "I wonder if they ask those questions because I could never live like that." This sentiment encapsulates his dedication to fair play and the importance he places on earning his victories through hard work and natural ability. As Ruotolo prepares to resume his MMA career at ONE 171 in Qatar, his integrity and technical mastery continue to set him apart in a sport where the line between natural and enhanced performance is increasingly blurred.
