The world of professional grappling is coming closer and closer to becoming mainstream, among other things in many ways thanks to ONE Championship’s insistence on its growth. Now, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Leo Vieira, will be on the frontlines of these efforts as well; as ONE announced that Vieira has been appointed as the Vice President of Grappling!

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, shared the fantastic news:

It is my honor to announce that Leo Vieira, one of the most accomplished and respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in history, has decided to join ONE Championship as Vice President of Grappling.
Leo is a true trailblazer in martial arts, and as we continue to add depth to our grappling roster, his guidance will be invaluable. ONE is proud to continue providing the world’s best martial arts athletes with a platform to showcase their unique talents and skills.

Vieira wasn’t able to sustain his enthusiasm either:

I am thrilled to join ONE as Vice President of Grappling. I appreciate the trust and opportunity that Chatri and the ONE team have given me to shape ONE’s submission grappling divisions.

As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt for over 25 years, I have been able to positively impact lives as a competitor, professor, and team leader, and I will continue to do so at ONE. It is a dream come true to work alongside people who share similar values and beliefs about martial arts as I do.
I am committed to building the world’s most exciting submission grappling promotion with ONE’s amazingly talented roster.

Vieira is now a part of ONE Championship’s recent efforts of growing its grappling forefront, which now includes athletes such as Mikey Musumeci, Tye & Kade Ruotolo, and Andre Galvao in its grappling rooster.