ONE Championship recently announced Tom DeBlass as its Vice President of Grappling, signaling a strong commitment to elevating grappling within the world of combat sports. DeBlass, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt and respected figure in the community, has set ambitious goals for the sport under ONE’s banner. With a keen focus on drawing in exciting talent and incentivizing top performances, DeBlass has already begun implementing plans to bring grappling into the mainstream, making it an integral part of ONE Championship’s offerings.
ONE Championship’s Vision for Grappling
DeBlass shared with BJJEE that ONE Championship’s approach to grappling isn’t just about expanding their roster; it’s about carefully curating matchups to attract new audiences to the sport. His vision is to showcase thrilling, high-stakes matches that spotlight the best grapplers in the world.
“We’re aiming to bring the most exciting fights from the most exciting grapplers globally. Our athletes are among the highest paid for single grappling matches, with the opportunity to earn an additional $50,000 USD for standout performances,” DeBlass explained. With prize money on the line for exciting matches, DeBlass hopes to encourage athletes to take risks and show the true athleticism and technical prowess of grappling.
Signing Cole Abate and Dante Leon: A Step Towards Global Recognition
In line with his mission, DeBlass has already made significant moves by signing prominent grappling talents, including Cole Abate and Dante Leon. Both competitors are celebrated for their achievements and captivating styles, which align with ONE’s goal of bringing the sport to a global stage.
When asked about his expectations for Abate and Leon, DeBlass stated, “I believe Cole and Dante both have the potential to be global superstars. Our show places them on the world’s stage, giving them the chance to showcase what grappling truly is, beyond just grappling fans. That’s why it’s crucial that we sign only the most thrilling athletes.”
Abate, the youngest competitor to win the ADCC Trials, is considered one of the most promising young talents in the sport. Known for his fearless approach and sharp technique, he has the potential to become a generational talent. “Cole could go down as one of the best ever,” DeBlass said, underscoring the magnitude of his impact on the sport at such a young age.
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Dante Leon, a multiple-time world champion, has established himself as a fan favorite with his impressive record of victories against top-tier opponents. Leon’s dynamic style and aggressive approach make him an ideal fit for ONE’s vision of entertaining and fast-paced matches. “Dante has beaten some of the best grapplers in the world in exciting fashion. He can also be a global superstar,” DeBlass emphasized.
Grappling’s Mainstream Moment
ONE Championship’s strategic focus on signing high-caliber grapplers marks a shift in the way the sport is promoted. DeBlass highlighted ONE’s commitment to making grappling more accessible to a wider audience, positioning it alongside other major combat sports.
“Many shows want to make grappling mainstream, but ONE is actively achieving that,” DeBlass said. By broadcasting events on the global stage and featuring captivating matchups, ONE Championship is poised to reshape how grappling is perceived beyond the confines of the niche community, drawing interest from viewers worldwide.
The Future of Grappling at ONE
As Vice President of Grappling, Tom DeBlass is dedicated to advancing the sport by prioritizing action-packed, high-stakes matches that attract attention from seasoned grappling enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With incentives like the $50,000 USD performance bonus, DeBlass aims to inspire grapplers to deliver their best in every match, further elevating the visibility and appeal of the sport.
With DeBlass at the helm, grappling fans can expect to see an exciting evolution within ONE Championship that not only recognizes but rewards athleticism, strategy, and a true fighting spirit. Through this initiative, ONE is setting the stage for grappling to become a globally recognized and respected discipline within the world of martial arts.
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