Tye Ruotolo Says He Would Try the Survival Show "Alone"

Tye Ruotolo spends his time off the way he spends his time on: looking for a challenge. The reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion says that if he could get on the survival series "Alone", he would do it.

Ruotolo is preparing for the biggest test of his MMA career. On Friday, November 6, he challenges two-division champion Christian Lee for the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title at The Inner Circle 37 in Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium. The event streams for members on live.onefc.com.

A habit of seeking danger

Ruotolo grew up in Huntington Beach, California, with his twin brother Kade, who is the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion. He began Brazilian jiu-jitsu at three and spent his free hours surfing and skateboarding.

That streak carried over into MMA. He has finished both of his fights so far. In his debut in September 2025, he choked out Christian Lee's younger brother, Adrian Lee.

Between camps, he sometimes binge-watches television, though he says he is not consistent about it and is not a big movie fan. Lately he has been watching "Alone", a series that leaves solitary contestants in remote wilderness with minimal gear and handheld cameras. They stay until only one remains.

"I love stuff like that. I would love to be able to get on one of those shows," Ruotolo said. He is less sure about "Naked and Afraid". "I'd like some clothes while I'm out. I hate mosquitoes."

The hard part would be food

He admits he is no experienced outdoorsman. "That would be one of the hardest parts – the food, for sure," he said. "From the couch, I see everything wrong that they're doing. But I'm sure once I'm there, I'll be making all of the same mistakes."

Ruotolo has put his ONE Championship performance bonuses into building a gym in Costa Rica. Long surfing trips there keep him away from competition. He says he spends time alone there, with shelter and water, and often wonders what he would have to do if he were stranded.

"I would be surviving a lot on my courage more so than my skills," he said. For now, the show will have to wait until after the title fight.

"As a fighter, as a man, you have a little bit of ego, and you don't want to think you can't be out in nature, right?" Ruotolo said. "I want to be able to be like a wild cat, as a man. As weird as it sounds, a little part of you wants to stay wild."

Source: ONE Championship