‘The Most Exclusive Title’ – Dante Leon Promises An Intense Return In High-Stakes Rematch With Kenta Iwamoto
Dante Leon knows exactly how it feels to stand on the agonizing brink of greatness. Now, the Canadian grappling ace looks to claw his way back toward World Title contention when he faces a familiar foe at ONE Fight Night 42: Mann vs. Dzhabrailov on Prime Video.
This blockbuster welterweight submission grappling showdown, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok, Thailand, on April 10, will see Leon revisit an intense old rivalry with highly touted promotional debutant Kenta Iwamoto.
More than a year since they last tangled on the mats, the matchup brings a newfound sense of urgency. Leon originally burst onto the global stage with decisive victories over Bruno “Puccibull” Pucci and Tommy Langaker.
However, his meteoric momentum abruptly stalled at ONE Fight Night 31, where he fell painfully short against reigning champion Tye Ruotolo for the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title. That agonizing setback only deepened his hunger for absolute redemption.
Awaiting him in Bangkok is a highly dangerous Japanese challenger hungry for ultimate payback. While Leon already owns a definitive submission victory over Iwamoto from their 2023 meeting at the AIGA Champions League, both elite martial artists recognize that this high-stakes rematch takes place under vastly different circumstances.
The two-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion recalled:
“We fought in a different organization. It was three five-minute rounds with points awarded, a very different ruleset from ONE. I was able to submit him in the third round.
“There’s going to be a different challenge here. I obviously have to get to work a little bit quicker. You have to be able to get the job done within those 10 minutes rather than rely on the last five-minute round.”
Even with that previous victory safely in hand, Leon isn’t lacking a single ounce of motivation. Facing Iwamoto a second time brings a completely fresh challenge, not a simple replay of the past.
The Pedigo Submission Fighting representative respects how Iwamoto has aggressively evolved, tightening his world-class technique and earning his coveted invitation to ONE through consistent, undeniable excellence on the competitive BJJ circuit. The Japanese grappler’s steady rise simply demands attention.
For Leon, their monumental rematch represents a clean slate, one that calls for complete focus and humility:
“That match was a while ago. That was definitely a great win in my career at the time, but I know Kenta has gotten better. It’s very foolish to bring what happened last time to the front of your mind and think that’s just indicative of how things are going to go the second time.
“I’m sure he feels like he can give a better performance, and he wants to redeem himself from the last match. And with respect to that, I have to show up and be better.”
Leon has kept a very close watch on Iwamoto’s growth.
The three-time ADCC Asia and Oceania Trials winner has systematically transformed into one of Japan’s most formidable grappling forces, perfectly combining his judo instincts with relentless, suffocating top pressure.
Still, Leon fully trusts his elite grappling IQ and finishing instincts to swing the rematch his way once again.
The Toledo-based grappler said:
“He’s good everywhere. But I see myself being able to get on top of him, whether from the feet on a takedown or scrambling off one of his takedowns. I expect to apply a lot of pressure and a lot of good jiu-jitsu.
“I’m looking for him to expose a limb. A lot of times, he exposes limbs to try to escape. But if I can stay stuck on his back and hold him down, I see myself finishing from there.”
Leon Determined To Claim The Most Prestigious Prize In Submission Grappling
That drive for precision directly stems from a hard-learned lesson. Dante Leon still vividly remembers the lingering pain of his decision loss to Tye Ruotolo, a grueling bout that left him feeling there was so much more of his game to show the world.
Rather than dwell on the bitter loss, however, the 30-year-old superstar immediately returned to the mats determined to fine-tune his crushing pressure, impenetrable guard, and seamless transitions.
Now, after months of disciplined preparation, he’s ready to remind everyone exactly why he firmly belongs among the sport’s elite:
“[Fans] can expect a very intense return. I came here wanting to be in the title picture. It stings not just not winning the title, but it stings more having a performance where you feel you left something on the table. I’m coming into this match driven.
“I’ve had a lot of time to adjust my training and make myself better. And because of that, I’m going to come back and put on a show.”
Leon’s World Championship obsession isn’t centered on just one person. He’s even willing to drop down a division to challenge reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo if that’s what it takes to capture the gold.
Winning a coveted ONE World Title would permanently define his incredible career, and that grueling journey back to the mountaintop officially begins on April 10.
Leon concluded:
“I’m here because I want the title. It’s the most exclusive title in the entire world of submission grappling. There is no more coveted, respected, or badass-looking championship belt than ONE Championship’s.
“Every time I’ve been in an organization, my goal is to prove that I’m the best. I’ve done that everywhere else I’ve competed except ONE Championship. And now that I’m here for the long haul, I want to make that happen.”
