Dante Leon says he will reinvest fight bonus in better gym facilities: "It's only going to help me more in the future

ONE Championship newcomer Dante Leon not only picked up a submission victory in his promotional debut this past Friday, Dec. 6, at ONE Fight Night 26 but also a $50,000 performance bonus.

The Pedigo Submission Fighting affiliate said in an interview with ONE how he will use the money:

"Usually when I make some money, I give back to my gym and my team to help evaluate our training facilities and help evaluate our amenities for our competitors and our students. So you know, I'm sure some of that money will go to that. As an athlete, I think it's important to invest in yourself."

He concluded:

"So you know, if I'm investing in myself, I'm investing in my athletes and my students, it's only going to help me more in the future."

Leon earned the bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong thanks to his mind-bending submission of accomplished grappling competitor Bruno Pucci.

The Canadian standout initially caught 'Puccibull' in a submission hold called the 'Thunder Lock', which appeared to be a modified Americana.

Pucci held out from tapping to the unique maneuver but ultimately submitted when Leon transitioned into a triangle armbar.

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Dante Leon in awe of Thailand crowd at ONE Fight Night 26

Fans inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, gave Dante Leon a warm welcome to ONE during the fighter introductions.

During the post-event interviews, the 29-year-old had this to say about the fans' breathtaking energy:

"I've never been in an arena that has such impactful energy as this stadium does. It feels like the fans are on top of you, and not in a bad way. It just feels like that energy is shooting through your body while you're competing, and it's special and it's really unique."

Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE Fight Night 26 on demand.