"A new and challenging test" - Dante Leon not taking Bruno Pucci lightly in upcoming submission grappling pairing

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) megastar and ONE Championship newcomer Dante Leon is not underestimating what grappling veteran Bruno Pucci can bring out of his deep bag of tricks when they cross paths at ONE Fight Night 26 on Friday, Dec. 6.

The 29-year-old shared his thoughts with the Bangkok Post before he makes his promotional debut inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, saying:

"My match with Bruno, I consider to be a new and challenging test. On paper, I'm an overwhelming favorite, but he has many things over me such as his experience with ONE, professional MMA, and submission grappling."

Leon's immense respect for Pucci's abilities ahead of their lightweight submission grappling bout at ONE Fight Night 26 speaks volumes about how much the Canadian has scouted his opponent.

A two-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, Pucci has consistently showcased his stellar grappling abilities in ONE's featherweight MMA ranks since arriving in September 2013. He posted four submission wins in five triumphs over that time.

In that same vein, Leon has also been a prolific finisher as a BJJ competitor, earning 90 submissions in 142 victorious outings.

---

Bruno Pucci promises to go all-out against Dante Leon

As Dante Leon pointed out, Bruno Pucci will have the advantage of experience on his side, and the 34-year-old plans to make the most out of his veteran knowledge to notch the upset over the debuting Leon.

In an interview with ONE, Pucci said:

"I have nothing to lose. And when you have nothing to lose, I feel you can offer more risks. That's how I see it. I'm just excited. I feel that that's gonna help me with my performance."

ONE Fight Night 26 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.