At just 20 years old, Cole “Ice” Abate is poised to make his highly anticipated debut in ONE Championship, joining the ranks of the world’s top submission grapplers. The Texas-born Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prodigy will face off against Japanese legend Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki in a lightweight showdown at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov, set to take place on December 6 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The event, airing in U.S. primetime on Prime Video, marks the start of Abate’s journey in the prestigious promotion.
From Early Passion to World-Class Talent
Abate’s rise to prominence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) began at the tender age of five. While he was an accomplished athlete in team sports like basketball and baseball, it was BJJ that captivated his heart. After his second class, Abate knew he had found his true calling.
“I remember a turning-point when we played a sumo-style game where I kept pushing out the higher belts,” Abate recalls. “In Jiu-Jitsu, you don’t rely on teammates to determine the outcome. It’s all on you.”
This realization led him to focus solely on BJJ, where he trained under respected coach Rodrigo Pinheiro. Abate’s talent quickly shone through as he racked up gold medals at major tournaments, solidifying his place as one of the top young BJJ athletes in the country.
A Dream Move to the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy
At the age of 14, Abate’s ambition took him from Texas to California, where he joined the renowned Art of Jiu-Jitsu (AoJ) Academy under the guidance of brothers Gui and Rafa Mendes. His decision to move was driven by AoJ’s philosophy of cultivating young talent with a long-term vision.
“Gui Mendes told me not to just be the best kid in the room, but to aim to be the best at my weight, regardless of age or belt color,” Abate recalls. This mindset proved pivotal in Abate’s development, and under the Mendes brothers, he went on to achieve unprecedented success.
Abate’s achievements as a teenager include becoming the youngest male to win the ultra-competitive ADCC North American Trials. By 2023, at just 19 years old, he was awarded his black belt, cementing his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Overcoming Adversity: A Devastating Injury and Triumphant Return
Despite his meteoric rise, Abate faced a major setback in late 2023 when a broken tibia derailed his plans for a stellar rookie year as a black belt. The injury required surgery and months of recovery, forcing him off the mats for a time.
However, Abate’s mindset remained resolute. “My parents and coaches encouraged me to treat recovery like preparing for a big tournament,” he said. “It was all about getting back to 100 percent.”
True to form, Abate made a victorious return in 2024, defeating BJJ World Champion Gianni Grippo on his way to claiming gold at the IBJJF No-Gi Pan-American Championships. Reflecting on the injury, Abate feels it strengthened his resolve and made his story even more inspiring for others.
“If everything is uphill, it’s hard for people to relate,” he explained. “I want my journey to be real and relatable, not just a fairytale of success without setbacks.”
A New Challenge in ONE Championship
Now, Abate is ready to take on the world in ONE Championship, where he aims to showcase his world-class skills and prove himself among the best. With his sights set on becoming one of the greatest submission grapplers of all time, Abate is excited about the platform ONE provides.
“I want to be one of the best Americans in this sport,” he said. “Everything ONE offers aligns with my goals. I want to show my story and inspire even more people.”
As his ONE Championship debut draws near, fans are eager to see if Abate can live up to the hype and continue his journey to greatness in the world of submission grappling.
