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Dante Leon plans to prove at ONE Fight Night 27 that he's "ready for a title shot."
Last month, Leon made a statement in his ONE Championship debut by securing a $50,000 performance bonus against Bruno Pucci. The Canadian submission grappler now looks to prove he deserves a lightweight submission grappling title shot.
On Friday, January 10, Leon's sophomore promotional appearance will be a catchweight grappling bout against Tommy Langaker. The 29-year-old believes he can utilize a win against Langaker to secure a title shot, which he explained during the ONE Fight Night 27 media day:
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"I'm here to prove that I am the best grappler in the world. I'm here to prove to the public, I'm here to prove that I'm ready for a title shot. Beating somebody like Tommy is definitely what I have to do."
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Leon followed up by saying:
"He's a guy who's fought for the title before. Looking at this match, this looks like it could be like a number one contender match for either 185 or 170 so it puts a lot of importance on the match, it being Tommy, there being a little bit of history there. I think that just makes it a little cooler, you know?"
Dante Leon has competed against Tommy Langaker outside of ONE. In 2018, Langaker defeated Leon by points at the IBJJF Pan American tournament, giving Leon added motivation to emerge victorious in their rematch.
ONE Fight Night 27 will take place inside the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Friday's event in Bangkok, Thailand, airs live in the US, primarily free for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
Will Dante Leon earn a title shot with win against Tommy Langaker?
Dante Leon's impressive resume in high-level tournaments provided him instant credibility when he signed with ONE Championship. The Canadian quickly silenced any doubters with his promotional debut against Bruno Pucci.
ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo is focused on professional MMA but plans to defend his title in 2025. Therefore, Leon would be a primary contender for a title shot if he defeats Tommy Langaker later this week.
Leon hasn't competed against Kade Ruotolo outside of ONE. With that said, Leon has split a two-match series against Kade's twin brother, Tye Ruotolo.
Leon could also pursue a welterweight title against Tye later this year.
