“Proves you’re a no.1 contender” - Dante Leon plans to rack up several more wins before challenging for ONE Championship gold

Though he’s regarded as one of the best grapplers in the world today, Dante Leon understands that success in ONE Championship must be earned step by step. The 29-year-old Canadian is set for his second appearance under the promotion’s banner at ONE Fight Night 27 on Friday, Jan. 10.

He goes head-to-head with Tommy Langaker in a 180-pound catchweight submission grappling showdown.

While fans and analysts hail Leon as a legitimate threat to Kade Ruotolo’s reign as the ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion, the rising star is determined to climb the ranks the right way — through hard-fought victories that underscore his credentials as a contender.

He clarified this in an interview with Jits Magazine:

“Just like I said about placing in the open kind of gives, you know, validation to your work and shows the fans, I think winning three or four matches and beating all the best guys in the world while doing that and climbing the ladder that way. I think that proves that you're a number one contender.”

The buzz surrounding a potential clash between Leon and Ruotolo is hardly surprising. The former’s electrifying ONE debut last December saw him dispatch seasoned black belt Bruno Pucci with a flawless triangle-armbar finish in just over two minutes.

Now on the rise, a showdown with Ruotolo seems inevitable down the line. However, before that can happen, Leon must overcome a familiar adversary.

Leon and Langaker have history, having first faced off at the 2018 IBJJF Pan-American Championships, where the Norwegian emerged victorious with a narrow 2-0 decision.

This rematch offers Leon an opportunity to settle old scores and strengthen his claim for a title shot.

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Dante Leon wants payback against Tommy Langaker

Reflecting on that prior defeat during an interview with ONE, Dante Leon acknowledged the challenge posed by Langaker’s formidable guard game, admitting it was a tough loss to accept:

“As far as his guard, his guard kinda seems like it’s difficult. It’s frustrating. It was frustrating when I went against him in 2018.”

Now, he’s eager to rewrite the narrative and prove his evolution as a competitor.