Garry Tonon: A Grappling Wizard in the Cage – BJJ Meets MMA

Garry Tonon, widely recognized as one of the most elite submission grapplers in the world, has made a seamless transition into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Tonon, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt under the legendary John Danaher, is known for his creative, aggressive submission game and his willingness to push the pace inside the cage.

His career in ONE Championship has showcased how a world-class grappler can not only survive but thrive in the dynamic environment of MMA.

As he prepared to face Shamil Gasanov on July 14 at ONE Fight Night 12, fans eagerly anticipated another display of Tonon’s submission brilliance. This essay will explore Tonon’s best submission victories in ONE Championship and how his BJJ has adapted and excelled in the MMA world.

Before transitioning to MMA, Tonon was a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with multiple titles and accolades. He rose to prominence within the grappling world through his participation in elite tournaments like the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) and EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational). Known as “The Lion Killer,” Tonon’s submission game is particularly feared for his relentless pursuit of leg locks, guillotines, and back takes.

Under the guidance of John Danaher, who also coached UFC champions like Georges St-Pierre, Tonon became part of the famed “Danaher Death Squad,” a team renowned for its revolutionary approach to leg locks and submission grappling.

In 2018, Tonon made the leap into professional MMA under the ONE Championship banner. From the start, his grappling prowess was evident, and he quickly became a standout in the featherweight division.

What set him apart was his ability to integrate his submission skills into MMA effectively while also evolving as a striker. His confidence in his ground game allowed him to open up in the striking department, knowing he could take the fight to the ground and finish it with a submission if needed.

Since joining ONE Championship, Garry Tonon has put on a series of impressive performances, with several of his victories coming via submission. Let’s delve into some of his most notable submission finishes that highlight his grappling mastery.

In his second fight with ONE Championship, Tonon took on Indian fighter Rahul Raju. The fight was a perfect showcase of Tonon’s superior grappling and ability to control his opponent on the ground. Early in the fight, Tonon used his striking to create openings for takedowns, showing how his MMA skills were developing. Once the fight hit the mat, it was clear that Raju was in deep trouble.

Tonon methodically worked his way into back control, one of his strongest positions, from which he is known for finishing opponents. After softening Raju with ground-and-pound, Tonon secured a rear-naked choke, forcing Raju to tap out. This victory highlighted Tonon’s ability to transition smoothly between striking and grappling, demonstrating the lethal combination of his world-class BJJ and his growing MMA game.

Perhaps one of Tonon’s most famous submission victories in ONE Championship came against Japanese fighter Yoshiki Nakahara. The bout lasted less than a minute, but it was a masterclass in leg lock submissions.

Known for his leg lock game, Tonon wasted no time engaging in a grappling exchange. Nakahara attempted to land strikes, but Tonon quickly secured a leg entanglement, a position where he excels.

From there, Tonon transitioned into a heel hook, one of the most devastating leg lock submissions in BJJ. The speed and precision with which Tonon executed the submission left Nakahara no choice but to tap almost immediately. This victory not only showcased Tonon’s grappling dominance but also served as a reminder to the MMA world of how dangerous leg locks can be in a fight.

Tonon’s fight against Anthony Engelen was another brilliant display of his grappling skills. In this bout, Tonon once again showed his evolving striking game, landing solid punches and kicks to set up his takedown attempts. Once he got the fight to the ground, it was only a matter of time before Tonon found a submission.

After securing back control, Tonon applied a rear-naked choke, a submission he has used to finish many opponents throughout his career. Engelen had no answer for Tonon’s grappling and was forced to tap out. This fight underscored Tonon’s ability to control his opponents on the ground and finish fights with clinical precision.

Tonon’s bout against Koyomi Matsushima was significant because it demonstrated his versatility and ability to capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes. Matsushima, a talented striker, was cautious in engaging with Tonon on the ground. However, during a scramble, Tonon saw an opening for a guillotine choke, one of the most effective submissions when an opponent leaves their neck exposed.

Tonon locked in the guillotine and tightened his grip, forcing Matsushima to tap. This submission win was particularly impressive because it showed Tonon’s ability to adapt and seize submission opportunities, even in fast-paced, dynamic MMA exchanges.

What makes Garry Tonon’s success in MMA so remarkable is how he has adapted his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills for the cage. BJJ in a grappling tournament is vastly different from BJJ in MMA, where strikes are involved, and the dynamics of positioning change. Tonon has done an excellent job of integrating his submission skills with his striking and takedown game, creating a complete MMA arsenal.

One of the biggest challenges for BJJ specialists in MMA is learning how to deal with strikes while still pursuing submissions. Tonon has shown that he can take damage while remaining calm and focused on securing a submission. His ability to transition from striking to grappling seamlessly has been key to his success in ONE Championship.

Moreover, Tonon’s understanding of leg locks and their effectiveness in MMA has set him apart from other grapplers. Leg locks can be risky in MMA because they can leave the practitioner exposed to punches. However, Tonon’s expertise in this area allows him to apply these submissions quickly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of taking damage while securing the finish.

As Garry Tonon prepared to face Shamil Gasanov on July 14 at ONE Fight Night 12, fans anticipated another masterclass in grappling. Gasanov, a tough and well-rounded opponent, posed a challenge, but Tonon’s confidence in his submission skills would undoubtedly play a major role in the fight. With a track record of finishing fights via submission, Tonon was expected to look for opportunities to take the fight to the ground and impose his grappling superiority.

The bout against Gasanov represented another step in Tonon’s journey toward a potential ONE Championship featherweight title shot. If Tonon could secure another impressive victory, especially by submission, it would solidify his place as one of the top contenders in the division.

Garry Tonon’s journey from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prodigy to mixed martial arts standout has been nothing short of extraordinary. His success in ONE Championship has been built on his world-class grappling skills, particularly his ability to finish fights via submission. Tonon’s understanding of offensive and defensive grappling, combined with his evolving striking game, has made him a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.

As he continues to compete in MMA, Tonon’s submission victories remain a testament to the power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when applied in the cage. Whether it’s a rear-naked choke, a heel hook, or a guillotine, Tonon’s submission skills have been his greatest asset in MMA, and fans can expect more spectacular finishes as his career progresses.

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