Ricardo Almeida, Garry Tonon, Tom DeBlass, Renzo Gracie (Facebook/United Grapplers)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon, 26, is making his debut as an MMA fighter on May 26, 2017. He will compete in the lightweight division against Malaysia-based Filipino fighter Richard “The Notorious” Corminal, 36, at “ONE: Iron Will” at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

“It is the natural evolution in my career as a grappler,” Tonon said. “I have achieved all that I have set out to do in the world of Jiu-Jitsu, and now I am ready to take on a new challenge.”

A fixture in global grappling tournaments and widely considered one of the best submission grapplers in history, Tonon made his first appearance inside the ONE Championship cage when he took on Japanese legend Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki, 34, in the promotion’s first-ever Grappling Super-Match in May 2017. The American grappling prodigy won the contest against Aoki impressively via heel hook submission.

Hailing from New Jersey in the United States, Tonon began wrestling in primary school, competing as an amateur before being introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 14. Under the tutelage of coach Tom deBlass and the legendary Ricardo Almeida, Tonon would go on to win multiple IBJJF No-Gi world championships in different belts.

Tonon is determined to make a name for himself in the next chapter of his martial arts career. He said, “I am excited to begin my ONE Championship career, and proud to showcase my skills on the biggest global stage of competition.”

On the other hand, Corminal aims for redemption as he eyes to spoil the much-awaited first appearance of Tonon as an MA fighter in ONE Championship. In Corminal’s most recent bout, he succumbed to Frenchman Arnaud “The Game” LePont, 37, by way of submission in the first round in November 2017.

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