Dante Leon’s journey from a young Canadian grappler to an international BJJ star is a testament to perseverance, grit, and belief in one’s self
While the accolades and medals are impressive, it’s the road he took to get there—the sleepless nights, the physical grind, the emotional toll—that truly defines him.
And as he prepares to take center stage once again in ONE Championship, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning.
For Dante Leon, ONE Fight Night 31 is more than just a title opportunity—it’s a defining moment in his career. A victory would not only validate his years of sacrifice and training but also establish him as one of the best in the world.
For Tye Ruotolo, it’s a chance to continue building a legacy that many believe could rival the greatest in the sport’s history.
Two elite grapplers, one golden belt, and an international audience watching—this is what submission grappling at the highest level is all about.
Also Read: Tommy Langaker Opens Up on the High Stakes of His First Clash with Dante Leon
Table of Contents
Dante Leon: Who Is He?
From Humble Beginnings to Grappling Greatness
Canadian BJJ ace Dante Leon has been making waves in the world of submission grappling, particularly with his recent run of success under the ONE Championship banner.1
But the path to glory hasn’t been paved with ease. Like many athletes who achieve greatness, Leon’s rise is the result of years of struggle, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to his craft.
Born in Canada, Dante Leon didn’t have the advantage of coming from a country known for producing jiu-jitsu champions.
Yet, from the moment he was introduced to the sport, he demonstrated a deep passion and natural flair for grappling. His early training laid the groundwork for what would become a highly disciplined and ambitious career.
Even in the early stages of his journey, Leon stood out. Whether it was in local tournaments or regional competitions, his blend of technical precision and raw athleticism began to turn heads. But raw talent, as he would later learn, wasn’t enough to reach the elite level.
The best fight card I have ever seen!!
— Dante Leon (@DanteLeon14) July 12, 2015
Building a Foundation at Pedigo Submission Fighting
Leon’s career took a major step forward when he joined Pedigo Submission Fighting (PSF), one of the most respected grappling teams in North America.
Based in Mount Vernon, Illinois, the PSF gym is famous for its intense, no-frills training atmosphere and for producing world-class grapplers.
Under the guidance of coaches who valued both skill and grit, Leon sharpened his technique and developed the mental toughness necessary for success on the international stage.
Training with top athletes day in and day out molded him into the fierce competitor we see today.
The Long Road to Recognition
In a recent interview with ONE Championship, Leon opened up about the trials he’s faced along the way.
He admitted that his journey hasn’t always been smooth, and many of his accomplishments were earned through intense struggle and personal sacrifice.
“It may take time,” Leon said. “It may take some more money than you expected, some more time, stress—stress on you, stress on your other jobs, and stress on other people around you. But eventually, that will grow, and that will be a very, very special thing.”
His words reflect the often-unseen challenges athletes face. The cost of training, competing, traveling, and the toll it takes on personal relationships and mental health are real.
But Leon’s perseverance through those hurdles only adds depth to his story.
Dante Leon: IBJJF No-Gi World Titles
Before becoming a household name in ONE Championship, Leon had already made a significant mark in the sport.
He is a two-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, a prestigious title that puts him among the elite in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
These victories didn’t come easy. Competing at that level meant facing off against the world’s best grapplers—athletes who had dedicated their entire lives to mastering the sport.
But Leon’s ability to adapt, his relentless pace, and deep understanding of leverage and position gave him the edge.
Each tournament became another opportunity to prove his worth. Every win reinforced that the sacrifices were paying off, and every loss fueled his desire to return stronger.
ADCC Experience: Sharpening the Sword
Leon also competed at the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Championship, widely regarded as the most prestigious no-gi grappling tournament on the planet.
While he didn’t leave with gold, his performances earned him immense respect from peers and fans alike.
Facing legends of the sport on such a grand stage gave him valuable experience and exposed areas for improvement.
It was a chance to test his game against the toughest competitors in the world and refine his approach for the future.
Joining ONE Championship: A New Chapter
In 2023, Leon signed with ONE Championship, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in his career.
Known for featuring some of the top submission grapplers globally, ONE provided a bigger platform and a chance to showcase his skills to a broader audience.
His debut was a statement. With relentless pressure and technical brilliance, Leon dominated his opponent and secured a decisive win.
He followed it up with another impressive victory, establishing himself as a rising star in the promotion’s submission grappling division.
Going undefeated in his first two matches, Leon has quickly become a fan favorite and a name to watch closely.
With each performance, he continues to elevate his profile and the reputation of Canadian grappling.
What Sets Dante Leon Apart?
What makes Dante Leon unique isn’t just his physical attributes—though he is undoubtedly fast, strong, and agile. It’s his mindset and work ethic that have carried him to the top.
He approaches every match with the mentality of a student, always looking to learn and evolve. Leon never assumes he has it all figured out. That humility, paired with confidence in his abilities, creates a balance that few athletes achieve.
He also has a knack for mixing traditional BJJ techniques with modern innovations. Whether it’s employing wrestling-style takedowns or applying leg locks, Leon is always looking for ways to push the boundaries of his game.
Role Model for the Next Generation
For young grapplers, especially those outside of Brazil or the United States, Dante Leon’s story is deeply inspiring.
He’s proof that with enough dedication, it’s possible to reach the top of the sport regardless of where you come from.
He has become a symbol of what’s possible with hard work, patience, and resilience. In interviews and social media posts, Leon often emphasizes the importance of mindset and discipline—lessons that go far beyond the mats.
Looking Ahead
Leon’s third match in ONE Championship is just around the corner, and fans are eager to see who he faces next.
With each win, the level of competition rises, and the stakes get higher. But if his career so far is any indication, Leon is more than ready.
There’s also talk about potential matchups against some of the sport’s top names. Whether it’s reigning champions, rising prospects, or seasoned veterans, Leon is willing to face anyone who helps elevate his game.
Beyond competition, there’s speculation about Leon eventually opening his own gym or academy, where he could mentor the next generation of grapplers. Given his experience and teaching ability, it would be a natural progression.
Also Read: Dante Leon’s Shocking Revelation About the ONE Championship Audience and Workout
Dante Leon Shoots for World Title at ONE Fight Night 31
Canadian grappler Dante Leon is set to face the biggest challenge of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) career as he prepares to take on reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo.
Scheduled as the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 31: Kongthoranee vs. Nong-O II, this much-anticipated showdown takes place on May 2, 2025, at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Leon’s rise in ONE Championship has been nothing short of impressive, and a win here could cement his name among the grappling elite on the global stage.
Born and raised in Canada, Dante Leon carved his path through the BJJ ranks with hard work, resilience, and relentless ambition.
He made a name for himself in IBJJF competitions, ADCC appearances, and superfight events, quickly becoming one of the most respected grapplers in North America.
Now, competing under the ONE Championship banner, Leon has an opportunity to turn his long-time BJJ dreams into world championship reality.
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The Road to ONE Championship
Dante Leon signed with ONE Championship in late 2023, bringing with him years of elite-level grappling experience.
His promotional debut came in December 2023, when he faced veteran Bruno Pucci, a fellow BJJ black belt and ONE veteran. Leon didn’t just win—he made a statement, submitting Pucci in impressive fashion and earning a $50,000 performance bonus for his efforts.
Just a month later, he faced top-tier Norwegian grappler Tommy Langaker. In a tightly contested battle that showcased technical brilliance, Leon edged out a decision victory.
With that, he improved to 2-0 in ONE Championship, positioning himself as the top contender for the welterweight submission grappling title.
A Clash of Styles: Leon vs. Ruotolo
Leon’s upcoming bout against Tye Ruotolo isn’t just a title match—it’s a collision of grappling philosophies. Leon brings a grinding, methodical, and pressure-heavy style that wears down opponents.
Ruotolo, on the other hand, is known for his explosive movement, fluid guard passing, and unpredictable submissions.
This contrast sets the stage for a thrilling encounter. While Leon excels at maintaining positional control and neutralizing his opponent’s attacks, Ruotolo thrives on creating chaos and capitalizing on scrambles.
Whoever can impose their game will likely walk away with the belt.
Dante Leon: Training and Preparation
In the lead-up to this title opportunity, Dante Leon has reportedly been training harder than ever.
Surrounded by high-level partners and coaches in his camp, Leon has focused on areas he believes will be critical against Ruotolo: transitional awareness, scrambling defense, and grip fighting.
Sources close to his team say that he’s treating this like the biggest match of his career—which it is. Every detail of his preparation, from strength conditioning to positional drilling, has been meticulously planned.
Expect a sharper, more aggressive version of Leon to take the stage on May 2.
Can Leon Shock the World?
While Ruotolo enters the match as the favorite—thanks to his championship status and growing reputation—Dante Leon is far from an underdog in terms of skill.
His grappling résumé includes wins over some of the best names in the sport, and he’s shown time and again that he thrives in high-pressure situations.
Leon’s ability to control the pace of a match, neutralize dynamic grapplers, and capitalize on small openings makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone—even someone as explosive as Ruotolo.
If he can weather the early storm and drag Ruotolo into a positional battle, Leon’s shot at victory becomes very real.
North American Fans Get Front Row Access
Fans in the United States and Canada won’t have to miss a second of the action. ONE Fight Night 31 airs live during U.S. primetime exclusively on Amazon Prime Video for North American subscribers.
This allows fans to catch Dante Leon’s world title challenge from the comfort of their homes at a convenient time.
Given the growing interest in grappling and martial arts in North America, Leon’s journey is one that many will follow closely.
Also Read: Jonathan Di Bella Breaks Down the Science of Knockouts at the Highest Level and Training
