Tye Ruotolo’s submission win over Dante Leon in 2021 remains one of the standout moments of his career. But for both athletes, that chapter isn’t closed yet
At ONE Fight Night 31, it’s not just about gold—it’s about pride, legacy, and unfinished business. Whether Ruotolo repeats history or Leon rewrites it, one thing is certain: grappling fans are in for a battle to remember.
Make sure to catch the action live, free for Prime Video subscribers in the U.S. and Canada, and witness a rivalry come to its boiling point on the global stage.
This match is a coin flip in many ways, but if history tells us anything, Ruotolo’s pace and submission-savvy might be too much, even for a versatile veteran like Leon.
However, don’t sleep on the Canadian—Leon’s calm, calculated style could turn the tide in his favor with one well-timed transition.
Regardless of the outcome, fans can expect 100% heart, technique, and drama when these two titans step onto the mats in Bangkok. One thing is certain: grappling history will be made.
Also Read: Jozef Chen Set to Exploit Tye Ruotolo’s Vulnerability at ONE Fight Night 23
Table of Contents
Tye Ruotolo vs. Dante Leon: A Clash of Grappling Titans
When two of Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s finest collide under the bright lights of ONE Championship, the result is always fireworks.1
That’s exactly what fans can expect when reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo defends his title against Canadian standout Dante Leon at ONE Fight Night 31: Kongthoranee vs Nong-O II, scheduled for May 2 at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
This high-stakes bout is not just about the gold; it’s about legacy, rivalry, and the ever-evolving chess match of submission grappling.
ONE Championship has rapidly become a global hub for submission grappling. With its global platform, it’s given athletes like Ruotolo and Leon the chance to showcase their skills in front of massive audiences—far beyond traditional jiu-jitsu circles.
The Road to the Trilogy: A Rivalry Renewed
- The third encounter between Ruotolo and Leon comes with a personal edge.
- These two BJJ warriors have shared the mats before, splitting wins outside the ONE Championship spotlight.
- With one victory apiece, this upcoming showdown serves as the ultimate tiebreaker.
- A trilogy match is rare in submission grappling, and even rarer when both competitors are still rising in their prime.
- The stakes couldn’t be higher—this is more than a title defense. It’s a battle to establish definitive supremacy in the welterweight division.
- This isn’t just a match; it’s a co-main event in one of the world’s most iconic combat sports venues.
- The opportunity to headline in Lumpinee Stadium adds historical weight to this rivalry.
- For Ruotolo, it’s another moment to solidify his stardom. For Leon, it’s a rare shot at international glory—and validation of a career built on perseverance.
Tye Ruotolo: The Prodigy Turned Powerhouse
At just 22 years old, Tye Ruotolo has already carved out a legendary path in the world of jiu-jitsu.2
Bursting onto the scene as a teenager alongside his twin brother Kade, Tye quickly distinguished himself as a savant on the mats, blending fluidity with ferocity.
As the youngest IBJJF World Champion in history, Ruotolo has never shied away from challenges. His game is dynamic, explosive, and deceptively complex—an amalgamation of old-school pressure passing and modern submission hunting.
With ONE gold now wrapped around his waist, he’s turned into the face of submission grappling for the new generation.
Dante Leon: The Silent Storm from Canada
In the other corner stands Dante Leon, a soft-spoken but dangerous grappler whose skillset commands respect.
Leon has quietly built a reputation as one of the most well-rounded competitors in the game.
His wrestling, guard, and submission arsenal are all top-tier. He may not have the social media hype of some of his peers, but when he steps onto the mat, he lets his performances do the talking.
Leon’s style is more methodical, built on discipline and control. He can adapt to any opponent, shifting seamlessly between defense and attack. His calm, calculated approach has earned him victories against elite competition—and now he’s ready for the ultimate test in Ruotolo.
Versatility vs Specialization: Philosophies Collide
What makes this match intriguing is the contrast in grappling ideologies. Leon’s strength lies in his adaptability.
He’s a jack-of-all-trades, capable of fighting off his back, passing guard, or securing takedowns when needed.
But as Ruotolo puts it bluntly: “Maybe he’s more well-rounded. What’s the saying, jack of all trades, but master of none?”
The Atos prodigy doesn’t necessarily view versatility as a threat. He believes in specialization, in being so sharp in one area that no amount of balance can prepare an opponent for the storm. His signature passing pressure, combined with lightning-fast submissions, creates a pace and style that’s hard to replicate or counter.
Confidence or Complacency?
Ruotolo’s dismissive tone towards Leon’s skillset isn’t fueled by arrogance. It stems from unshakable self-belief, honed through years of competing against—and beating—the best.
“I’ve rolled with every style, every type of grappler,” Ruotolo once said in an interview. “There’s not much I haven’t seen. It’s all about imposing your game and forcing your will.”
That’s the essence of Ruotolo’s strategy. He doesn’t wait to react—he imposes. But therein lies the risk. Leon thrives in chaos and unpredictability. If Ruotolo underestimates him, even for a second, it could open the door for an upset.
Tye Ruotolo Reflects on a Career-Defining Submission
In the world of elite grappling, few moments are as defining as catching a top-tier opponent in a clean submission.3
For Tye Ruotolo, one such moment came in 2021, when he faced Dante Leon at a Who’s Number One (WNO) event.
The outcome of that match not only boosted his career trajectory but also planted the seeds for a heated rivalry that has continued to simmer ever since.
Ruotolo, now reigning as the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion, recently opened up about that victory in an interview, expressing both respect for Leon and confidence in his own abilities.
The 2021 Guillotine That Shocked the Scene
At the WNO championship in 2021, Tye Ruotolo and Dante Leon were locked in a high-stakes contest.
Known for his dynamic scrambles and relentless pace, Ruotolo went into the bout with energy and intensity. The finish came via a crushing guillotine choke—one that left little room for doubt about the result.
“It was a really big competition,” Ruotolo recalled. “And I remember after I beat him, I could tell he was pretty pissed about it. I could tell he’s been wanting to get this one back for a long time.”
That submission was more than just a win; it sent a message to the grappling world. Ruotolo, who had already been turning heads as a teen prodigy, had submitted one of the sport’s most physical and aggressive competitors. It was a turning point—and Leon hasn’t forgotten it.
A Rivalry Rekindled
The build-up to ONE Fight Night 31 carries more than just title implications. It’s personal.
For Leon, the sting of that 2021 loss has likely served as both motivation and fuel. Since then, he’s sharpened his already formidable game, hunting for redemption and a chance to settle the score.
For Ruotolo, it’s not about dwelling on the past—it’s about proving the first time wasn’t a fluke. “I know he’s coming in with a chip on his shoulder,” Tye said. “But so am I. I want to put an end to this rivalry, once and for all.”
This rematch promises not only fireworks but also the emotional charge of unfinished business between two of the sport’s fiercest competitors.
Tye Ruotolo’s Rise to Stardom
While the win over Leon was significant, it was one step in Tye Ruotolo’s rapid ascent to grappling stardom.
From competing against adults at just 16 years old to dominating international circuits with his twin brother Kade, Tye has developed into one of the most complete grapplers in the world.
His style—marked by fluid transitions, explosive takedowns, and an ever-evolving submission arsenal—has earned him praise across the board.
Now holding gold in ONE Championship, Ruotolo has gone from prodigy to champion, and he’s not looking back.
Breaking Down the Guillotine: A Technical Masterclass
What made the guillotine that finished Dante Leon so special? According to many grappling analysts, it was a perfect storm of timing, positioning, and pressure.
Ruotolo snatched the neck mid-scramble—capitalizing on Leon’s attempt to create space—and immediately locked in a high-elbow grip, cutting off the blood supply within seconds.
“Tye’s ability to find submissions in chaos is unmatched,” noted one BJJ commentator. “That guillotine wasn’t just luck—it was pure skill, honed through years of competition at the highest levels.”
Ruotolo has since refined that part of his game even more, making him an even greater threat this time around.
View this post on Instagram
Confidence Born from Experience
Ruotolo’s calm demeanor and unwavering confidence heading into the rematch don’t come from arrogance—they’re grounded in experience.
Having faced and defeated world champions, ADCC medalists, and submission specialists, Ruotolo understands what it takes to win on the biggest stages.
“Knowing I’ve submitted him before, yeah, it gives me confidence,” Tye admitted. “But I also know this is a new match, and I need to be sharper than ever. I’m ready for whatever he throws at me.”
His mindset is rooted in constant evolution—he never shows up the same way twice. That adaptability could be the key once again.
The Stakes at ONE Fight Night 31
This isn’t just a rematch. It’s a championship bout, streamed live to millions via Prime Video in the U.S. and Canada. With the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title on the line, every movement, grip, and transition matters.
Ruotolo is looking to cement his legacy with another decisive win. Leon is aiming to shock the world and take the title. Both men are elite, and the margin for error is razor thin.
The event promises to be ashowcase of high-level jiu-jitsu on a global platform, further pushing the sport into the mainstream spotlight.
Tye Ruotolo: Training Camp Insights
Evolution in the Lab
Ruotolo’s preparation for this fight has been intense. Training out of Atos Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego, alongside world-class competitors and under the guidance of André Galvão, Tye has been sharpening both his offensive and defensive tools.
“Every camp is different, but this one’s been focused on closing all the little gaps,” he shared. “My cardio’s up, my timing feels great, and I’m hitting new details in positions I’ve been using for years.”
Expect a version of Tye that’s even more dangerous than before.
Final Words Before the War
As the fight night approaches, anticipation continues to build. Fans, analysts, and fellow athletes are all eager to see whether lightning can strike twice—or if redemption will be served cold.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for Dante,” Ruotolo said. “But I’m going out there to finish him again. I don’t want any doubt. I want it to be decisive.”
For his part, Dante Leon has remained focused and quiet—letting his work on the mats do the talking. When the cage doors close, the talking ends and the grappling begins.
Why This Match Matters for Submission Grappling
Beyond the personal rivalry and title implications, this bout is important for the sport as a whole.
Submission grappling is experiencing a surge in popularity, thanks in part to platforms like ONE Championship giving it the exposure it deserves.
A high-level match like Ruotolo vs. Leon—filled with storylines, skill, and stakes—can bring new fans into the fold and demonstrate why no-gi jiu-jitsu belongs in the spotlight.
Expect fireworks, technical brilliance, and raw intensity when these two warriors meet again.
Also Read: Tye Ruotolo’s MMA Debut Timeline Revealed
