Dante Leon made a remarkable impression in his promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov on Prime Video. The Canadian grappler secured a quick submission victory over fellow BJJ black belt Bruno “Puccibull” Pucci in their lightweight clash, showcasing his skills in front of an audience that included many fans at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Leon, a two-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, dictated the match from start to finish. He adeptly took Pucci’s back and executed a triangle-armbar in just over two minutes. The victory did not just mark his entry into ONE Championship; it signified his serious intent to compete at the highest level in submission grappling.
Competing at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium was a surreal experience for Leon. He described the atmosphere as electric, stating that the energy from the fans was palpable, enhancing the competition. He expressed his excitement about the historic venue and how deeply it impacted his performance.
In recognition of his outstanding performance, Leon received a US$50,000 bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. Following the match, he emphasized his commitment to delivering bonus-worthy performances consistently, highlighting that it represents the years of hard work he has put into his craft.
Looking forward, Leon sets his sights on a match against Tommy Langaker, a former opponent and seasoned grappler. He believes that facing Langaker would be a significant step up in competition, as both have evolved as athletes since their first encounter.
Their previous match at the 2018 IBJJF Pan-American Championships was a battle of skill that ended in a close points loss for Leon. With their shared histories and individual successes since then, Leon is keen to challenge Langaker once more and believes it would be an exciting matchup for fans and a pivotal moment in his career.
In summary, Dante Leon is thrilled to join ONE Championship’s vibrant submission grappling landscape and is determined to establish himself as the best grappler globally. He recognizes ONE as the premier stage for such aspirations, underscoring that the best athletes gather here to demonstrate their skills.
Leon’s ambition moving forward reflects his competitive spirit, and he’s ready to take on the challenges ahead, all while staying true to his objective of showcasing the best in grappling.
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