Asian MMA powerhouse ONE Championship announced in a press release distributed Monday that it has signed American BJJ ace Garry Tonon to an exclusive contract. The signing will represent Tonon’s first foray into mixed martial arts, and will see “The Lion Killer” make his professional debut with the company.
A multi-time IBJJF champion, Tonon had previously competed in a grappling match for ONE against Japanese star Shinya Aoki. The submission expert was quoted in Monday’s release as saying that
“I am thrilled to be able to finally announce my arrival in ONE Championship. It is the natural evolution in my career as a grappler. 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. I am excited to begin my ONE Championship career, and proud to showcase my skills on the biggest global stage of competition.”
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship added that “Garry is an amazing individual with a long list of accolades in submission grappling. I have no doubt that his transition to the ONE Championship cage will be a successful one. Fans have a lot to look forward to when Garry finally makes his debut with us.”
No debut date for Tonon has been announced.
