One of the world’s most recognizable bodyguards just picked up a new technique from two of the sport’s most decorated grapplers. The lesson happened in public, without a mat in sight.
Kade Ruotolo taught Yassine Cheuko, the longtime bodyguard of football legend Lionel Messi, a slick grappling move during an event in Los Angeles. His twin brother Tye was also there, and Cheuko later shared the clip on Instagram while thanking both brothers.
Kade holds the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title, while Tye reigns as ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion. Both 23-year-old Americans are undefeated in ONE and have moved into MMA in pursuit of two-sport glory.
Kade’s next assignment comes at ONE Fight Night 50 in December. There, he faces former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Ok Rae Yoon. Tye challenges Christian Lee for the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title at The Inner Circle 37. It happens on November 6 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Tye explained that the impromptu session came together naturally. Cheuko’s love for martial arts made it easy for the brothers to share a few techniques.
“We had Messi’s bodyguard came around in town, and he’s such a cool dude. He’s got some really good energy. You could tell he loves martial arts a lot, so he was down just to go over a bunch of little moves while we were out in public,” Tye said.
Kade Ruotolo and Tye Ruotolo enjoy a lighter moment
Cheuko has protected Messi since his days at Paris Saint-Germain and continued in the role after the Argentine moved to Inter Miami CF, where he now captains the club. His enthusiasm for jiu-jitsu left a clear impression on the twins.
With major fights ahead for both brothers in the final months of 2026, the encounter offered a rare glimpse of their lighter side. Tye said the bodyguard was game despite the setting.
“We didn’t necessarily have a mat underneath our feet, but he was still willing to roll and do some jiu-jitsu, for sure. He’s cool. He’s down. He’s got martial arts in his heart, for sure,” Tye said.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
