"Putting an exclamation point on things" - Dante Leon says a submission is the only way to settle the score with Tommy Langaker

ONE Championship newcomer and decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athlete Dante Leon has waited years to get his revenge on Tommy Langaker, which he plans to exact at ONE Fight Night 27 on Friday, Jan. 10. The event will occur inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

In an exclusive interview with ONE, the Pedigo Submission Fighting affiliate promised he would be gunning for a finish in their catchweight (180 pounds) submission grappling bout.

Leon said:

"My goal for this match is to beat Tommy and submit Tommy. That's my goal for this match. I think it's me putting an exclamation point on things and really making a statement if I submit Tommy. Tommy is not an easy guy to beat."

Leon's hunger for revenge stems from his defeat on points to the Wulfing Academy product in the 82kg division of the 2018 IBJJF Pan-American Championships.

The 29-year-old will have the advantage of momentum entering their rematch after a lightning-fast submission win over Bruno Pucci in his promotional debut in December.

Meanwhile, Langaker lost his last two bouts in ONE, wherein he challenged Kade Ruotolo for the ONE lightweight submission grappling world championship on both occasions.

ONE Fight Night 27 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Dante Leon not rushing to enter submission grappling world title picture

Though Dante Leon is aware of the world title implications should he claim an impressive victory over Tommy Langaker, he is in no rush to fight for a ONE world championship.

In an interview with JitsCast, the Canadian BJJ black belter noted:

"So, you know, I think beating Tommy really puts an exclamation point on it all. But I'm not in a huge rush to get to the title, just get to the title and then fizzle out. I want to build up a reputation more."

Watch the entire interview below: