Dante Leon, ONE Championship's latest addition to its submission grappling ranks, believes no other combat sports athlete in the world competing at 170 pounds comes close to the strength he possesses.
Speaking recently with the promotion, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belter explained:
"I think pound for pound, I'm not just one of the strongest in the sport. I think I'm one of the strongest athletes on the planet, pound for pound. And I think grapplers are notoriously strong. I think submission grapplers might be a little behind the eight ball when it comes to strength training, as compared to judo players, Greco-Romans, freestyle wrestlers."
He added:
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"But you know, I believe that at 170 pounds, you'd be hard-pressed in any sport on the planet to find somebody as strong as me."
Though his words may appear braggadocious to some, Leon can lay claim to such statements, especially after winning his first two bouts as a ONE athlete.
After submitting Bruno Pucci in his promotional debut last December, the two-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion stunned Norwegian star Tommy Langaker at ONE Fight Night 27 last Friday, Jan. 10.
Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE Fight Night 27 on demand.
Dante Leon looking forward to other opponents in ONE
With Dante Leon having exacted his long-awaited revenge against Tommy Langaker inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, he is choosing to pass up on a potential rubber match in the meantime.
The Pedigo Submission Fighting affiliate said during the ONE Fight Night 27 post-event press conference:
"I mean, not at the current moment. I think I won that match decisively. I think I was the clear winner in that match. I think I'm looking to move on to other opponents, and I think I'm looking to stay more towards the 170-pound weight class."