Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Tom DeBlass announced on Sunday, 17 May, that he has signed with ONE Championship.
This will be the 38-year-old’s first return to professional mixed martial arts competition since his retirement in November 2013.
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In a Facebook post, the New Jersey native highlighted the positive experiences he had when meeting ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong while cornering Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon in Asia.
“I was so impressed with him, his staff, and the fans,” DeBlass said. “I watched the event, the fighters, the respect, and I immediately loved MMA again.”
DeBlass, who runs his own academy – Ocean County Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – believes in the same values of martial arts that ONE promotes.
“I love the code of the samurai and no organization emulates this code like ONE,” he said. “I simply want to inspire everyone and remind everyone that this life is a fight, every day we must fight for what we want, and it’s never easy.”
As one of the most highly respected grapplers in the world, DeBlass has also made waves in mixed martial arts.
The multiple-time BJJ World Champion made his debut in June 2010 and has competed in several major North American promotions, amassing a 9-2 professional record.
In his three-and-a-half-year career, the American also captured the Ring Of Combat Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Championships.
After his last match – a knockout win over Jason Lambert in November 2013 – DeBlass retired to focus exclusively on BJJ, teaching, and occasionally participating in grappling tournaments.
The New Jersey resident is expected to appear in the ONE Circle sometime in 2020, competing in either the heavyweight or light heavyweight division.
With the likes of reigning ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera and two-division ONE World Champion Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang waiting at the top, there will be plenty of high-level opposition for the American.
DeBlass expressed excitement for this opportunity, thanking Sityodtong and his supporters.
“I promise you that I will give my best, always and forever,” he said. “At 38, I can ride into the sunset with never testing myself again. Yet, this opportunity is simply a godsend, and it’s my duty to accept. Now it’s time to get back into fight shape. Thank you for the support and thank you for the opportunity, Chatri.”
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