Keenan, Craig And Other Pros Predict Nicky vs Tye

We reached out to some of the sports biggest stars for predictions about the upcoming Tye Ruotolo vs Nicky Ryan match at Who's Number One!

May 31, 2020 by Michael Sears

Keenan, Craig And Other Pros Predict Nicky vs Tye

Nicky Ryan vs Tye Ruotolo is a matchup of two of the most promising prospects in submission grappling today. Nicky has long been heralded as the next big thing out of the Danaher Death Squad, predicted to follow in the footsteps of his three-time ADCC champion brother Gordon. Tye burst on the scene as a late addition at ADCC 2017, when the then 16-year-old made it to the semifinals before finishing fourth.

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The pair of young athletes are set to square off as the co-main event on Friday, June 5, at Who's Number One: Gordon Ryan vs Kyle Boehm. I reached out to a few of the best minds in grappling today to see who they think will take this match.

Keenan Cornelius

"Having trained with both of these young beasts, I think physical maturity will play a part here. However, Tye has the experience advantage, having trained almost the entirety of his existence. That's a very powerful thing. I think Nicky is bigger and stronger, but Tye is more experienced. Both are very talented, but I think it's a fair fight."

Pick: Undecided

Craig Jones

"Nicky vs Tye is going to be an exciting matchup. Nicky has a much broader range of submissions available to him than Tye, given that it is a submission-only match, that should be the factor."

Pick: Nicky Ryan

Dante Leon

"I think it's a classic matchup that we will see for years to come. Nicky got the 'W' against Kade, but Tye is on a steady climb and is a lot to handle. I got Tye pushing the pace and winning by decision."

Pick: Tye Ruotolo

Ffion Davies

"I think it is an awesome matchup and will definitely be close; they both have super exciting styles but I think Tye will get the win."

Pick: Tye Ruotolo

Edwin Najmi

"I love this matchup. This might be a future ADCC finals match. Two studs from the younger generation. It's going to be a battle — Tye's style is kind of reckless and he could get caught by Nicky in a heelhook, but I think I'll go with Tye by decision. I'm a fan of his fearless offensive style."