“A Great Opponent” – Dante Leon Eyes Kade Ruotolo After Title Clash with Tye
Canadian grappling standout Dante Leon is poised for a monumental showdown against reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo at ONE Fight Night 31 on May 2, 2025. However, Leon’s ambitions extend beyond this high-stakes encounter, as he sets his sights on a potential future bout with Tye’s twin brother, Kade Ruotolo, the current ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion.
Leon vs. Tye: The Trilogy Concludes
The upcoming match between Leon and Tye Ruotolo marks the culmination of a compelling trilogy. Their first encounter at Grapplefest in 2020 saw Leon secure a decision victory, showcasing his tactical prowess. Tye evened the score in 2021 at the Who’s Number One championships with a dramatic last-second modified guillotine submission. Now, at ONE Fight Night 31 in Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, the two elite grapplers will settle the score with the welterweight title on the line.
Leon enters the bout with confidence, stating, “I can hang with Tye anywhere, to be honest. I don’t think that there’s anywhere that I see myself being way behind him.” He aims to dictate the pace and secure a definitive victory, emphasizing his desire to submit Tye and leave no doubt about the outcome.
Setting Sights on Kade Ruotolo
While fully focused on the imminent challenge posed by Tye, Leon has expressed interest in facing Kade Ruotolo in the future. Acknowledging Kade’s status as one of the best in the world, Leon remarked, “I’m definitely not looking at anything to do with Kade until we deal with Tye. But if we take care of business, he’s still one of the best in the world, and he’s still somebody who would be a great opponent.”
Leon believes that a victory over Tye would solidify his position as a top contender and pave the way for a high-profile match against Kade. He has previously stated, “Do I have a chance of beating Kade? Yeah, for sure. I have a chance of beating Kade. In the public eye and for the fans of ONE, I’m sure I’ll be an underdog, but in my opinion, and to those who know, I think I’m far from an underdog.”
A Legacy in the Making
For Leon, these matches are more than just opportunities for titles; they are pivotal moments in building a lasting legacy. He aspires to be remembered as a grappler who consistently sought out and defeated the best in the world. “All of these matches and all of these things that I’ve been doing recently have really been something that can help forge my legacy and help my story live on through many, many years, even after I’m dead and gone,” Leon reflected.
As the grappling world eagerly anticipates the outcome of Leon’s title clash with Tye Ruotolo, the prospect of a future bout with Kade adds another layer of intrigue. Should Leon emerge victorious on May 2, fans may soon witness another chapter in this compelling narrative unfold.
