WATCH: Norwegian constrictor Tommy Langaker’s breathtaking display of BJJ in impressive ONE Championship run

Two of the most outstanding grapplers on the planet today will collide at ONE Fight Night 27 on Friday, Jan.10, and one of the protagonists in that matchup is Tommy Langaker.

The former ONE lightweight submission grappling world title challenger will face off against rising American star Dante Leon in a 180-pound catchweight bout, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

To build anticipation for Langaker’s return to action, the world’s largest martial arts organization recently shared highlights from the Norwegian’s promotional debut in August 2022 on Instagram:

With an impressive collection of no-gi accolades, Langaker is widely regarded as one of the best European BJJ black belts to ever compete.

He made an immediate impact in ONE Championship with a pair of stellar victories — a dominant decision win over Brazil’s Renato Canuto and a sensational heel-hook submission of sambo world champion Uali Kurzhev.

These performances earned Langaker a shot at Kade Ruotolo’s divisional title. Although he fell short in that bout, Langaker pushed the American megastar to his limits, earning the 2023 Submission Grappling Fight of the Year honors for their battle.

Langaker would face Ruotolo again in January 2024, but despite another hard-fought contest, he suffered a narrow decision loss.

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Tommy Langaker faces litmus test at ONE Fight Night 27

Now, a tough test awaits Tommy Langaker in Dante Leon, a two-time IBJJF no-gi world champion and one of BJJ’s top pound-for-pound athletes.

Leon enters the fight fresh off an explosive promotional debut this past December, where he dispatched fellow black belt Bruno Pucci in just over two minutes with a flawless triangle-armbar finish.

At 29, Leon is rapidly climbing the ranks and is already eyeing a potential showdown with reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo. But first, he’ll have to overcome the highly skilled Langaker.

ONE Fight Night 27 will air live in the United States and Canada on Prime Video, with subscribers able to watch the event for free.