Tommy Langaker’s Quest for Redemption

Tommy Langaker has been in rare form since he lost to Kade Ruotolo in July. Fueled by the disappointment of dropping a disputed decision, the 29-year-old Norwegian grappler won 14 of his next 15 matches and tore through the middleweight division to claim gold at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Championships in December.

However, the satisfaction from one world title isn’t enough. Langaker wants redemption.

While sitting in an internet cafe in the middle of Tokyo, Langaker awaits his shot at precisely that. Seven months since his loss at ONE Fight Night 11, he still receives messages from fans pleading that the judges picked the wrong guy. Langaker appreciates the sentiment.

“I try not to listen too much, though, because it puts some salt on the soul,” Langaker told Sherdog.com. “Of course, I want to believe I won that fight. I countered everything [Ruotolo] did and thought I earned the decision, but I can’t change the result based on what people say on the internet. I just need to be more convincing in the rematch.”

Langaker and Ruotolo’s re-run at ONE 165 this Sunday at Ariake Arena in Tokyo will be a dynamic clash of styles for the ONE Championship lightweight submission grappling title. Ruotolo’s style is explosive and persistent. Langaker could say the same in his younger days. Now, he values patience and timing. That much was evident in the first match.

As Ruotolo worked furiously for submissions, Langaker countered calmly off his back, protected by an impenetrable guard. Ruotolo was determined to give the fans a good show and secure a quick submission. Still, Langaker’s defense was frustrating and dangerous, as Ruotolo nearly lost his title midway through the match when the challenger suddenly attacked his heel. Ruotolo defended, but his aggressiveness almost caused his downfall. The young champ carried a newfound respect but continued to press forward toward the win. As a fan, Langaker enjoys Ruotolo’s high-paced style but hopes the champion’s carelessness will provide another opening.

“I don’t research, but I know how Kade fights,” Langaker said. “He has traps where he uses his length, long arms and tall frame, so you have to avoid these aspects that make his style very strong. If you can do this you are going to be fine. I’ve been watching him since he was a kid. He always puts on a show, but it’s the exact opposite for me and him. He’s fighting loose and has a lot of emotions. He really wants to submit me, so he will toss everything, including the sink, at me. That’ll create a lot of moments for me to angle out and counter.”

While Ruotolo’s style is fan-friendly, one cannot argue against Langaker’s approach. He does not study film or focus on a lone opponent. At the IBJFF World Championships, Langaker stuck to his strengths and grappled reactively. Langaker is also a master at taking the back, and his guard is like Fort Knox. He won his first two matches by rear-naked choke before shutting out his final three opponents on his way to the title.

“Nobody can pass me,” Langaker said. “I speak the language of the guard, and mine can adapt to every situation. I’ve fought so many guys, big, fat, small, all these types of styles, and very, very, very few people have been able to surpass it.”

Langaker makes the upcoming match sound simple—he already has plans to mount the 26.4-pound ONE Championship belt on his wall—but the showdown figures to be anything but easy. Ruotolo’s grappling is intense, and the 21-year-old has big aspirations. He talks of transitioning to MMA later this year and bears the weight of being a budding star. As such, Langaker believes he has less pressure heading into the fight. While excited about the growth of jiu-jitsu on the global stage, he is only concerned with getting his hand raised.

“It’s cool, but it’s all very distant for me,” Langaker said. “I’ll try to stay as calm as possible and not get wrapped up in the promotion. People can take to heart everything you say, and it can become over-exaggerated.”

Langaker has had countless rematches during his grappling career, but he understands why his sequel with Ruotolo is so intriguing. Still, he did not sign up to simply be an opponent. If given the opportunity, he vows to derail the hype train.

“I’m not here to just have good matches and be a gatekeeper,” Langaker said. “I’m here because I believe I can do it.”