JitsCast #9 features one of the top Canadian Jiu-Jitsu competitors ever, Dante Leon. Although he started out by competing in both gi and no gi events, Leon eventually found his home as an elite no gi grappler. He has made multiple appearances at ADCC over the last few years and has won two IBJJF No Gi World Championship titles as well. He has become a frequent fixture in the final rounds of ADCC and has managed to reach the podium on two separate occasions, winning a bronze medal at under 77kg at ADCC 2022 another bronze medal in the absolute division at ADCC 2024.
One of the main topics of conversation that we focused on when we spoke with Leon was his upcoming match with Tommy Langaker at ONE Fight Night 27 on January 10th, 2024. The two men have met on the mats once before, although it was several years ago at this point. We wanted to know if there was anything that Leon had learned from that previous match that he could take into this one, and how he felt about the path he’s making towards the lightweight title at ONE Championship. He’s already had a very successful ONE debut and Langaker was the last man to challenge for the belt, so a title-shot might be within reach.
We also wanted to ask Leon about his incredible performance in the absolute division at ADCC 2024, and whether or not he’d ever considered doing it before. Obviously one of the biggest storylines of the year was the fact that ADCC went head to head with the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational, so we also wanted to find out of Leon had ever considered competing at CJI instead. Leon was also happy to share a little bit about his introduction to martial arts through his father and he revealed that he still does boxing as both a hobby and a form of cardio even today.
JitsCast #9 with Dante Leon is now available to watch on the official JitsMagazine YouTube channel, click here to subscribe for more or check out the interview below:
