Dante Leon vs. Tye Ruotolo III: The Trilogy Showdown That Could Change BJJ History

The rivalry between Dante Leon and Tye Ruotolo isn’t just another matchup in the grappling world—it’s quickly becoming one of the most compelling stories in combat sports today. With their series tied at 1-1, their upcoming third clash on Friday, May 2, has fans and analysts buzzing with anticipation.

Let me tell you why this trilogy fight is worth clearing your schedule for.

A Perfect Rivalry Built on Respect and Technical Brilliance

When I first watched Leon and Ruotolo square off, what struck me wasn’t just their technical abilities—it was the perfect storm of contrasting styles that made their matches so compelling. Dante Leon brings his methodical, pressure-heavy approach while ONE Championship kingpin Tye Ruotolo counters with explosive athleticism and creative entries.

Their series stands deadlocked at one victory apiece, creating the perfect narrative tension heading into this rubber match.

Insert image of Dante Leon and Tye Ruotolo facing off at their last encounter here

How Their Previous Encounters Played Out

Let’s break down what happened in their previous meetings:

What makes this rivalry so fascinating is how evenly matched these athletes are. In their first encounter, Ruotolo’s dynamic guard work and transitions gave him the edge. But Leon made crucial adjustments in their rematch, implementing a smothering top game that neutralized Ruotolo’s explosiveness.

Atos vs. B-Team: The Gym Rivalry Angle

This isn’t just about two individuals—it’s about contrasting philosophies in jiu-jitsu. Ruotolo represents Atos, known for their systematic approach and competition success. Meanwhile, Leon flies the B-Team flag, bringing that camp’s innovative and pressure-focused style to the mat.

I’ve spoken with coaches from both teams, and they view this match as more than just a single contest—it’s validation of their training methodologies.

Why This Third Match Could Be Career-Defining

For Leon, beating the ONE Championship star twice would catapult him to new heights in the grappling world. For Ruotolo, defending his reputation against one of the few men to defeat him is crucial for his legacy.

Think about it—how often do we get to see two elite competitors so perfectly matched that they need a trilogy to settle things? This is MMA fans’ chance to witness the jiu-jitsu equivalent of Gatti-Ward or Ali-Frazier.

What to Watch For in the Third Encounter

Based on their previous matches, here are the technical aspects that could determine the winner:

• Pace management: Leon thrives in grinding matches while Ruotolo often looks for explosive moments
• Guard passing: Ruotolo’s dynamic passing against Leon’s methodical pressure
• Submission hunting: Will either man take more risks to secure a definitive finish?
• Mental game: With so much history between them, psychology could play a major factor

I’ve noticed that in high-stakes trilogy matches, fighters often show completely new wrinkles to their games. Don’t be surprised if we see techniques from either competitor that they’ve been saving specifically for this encounter.

How to Watch This Historic Matchup

The Leon vs. Ruotolo trilogy fight headlines the card on Friday, May 2. Broadcasting details haven’t been fully announced, but these high-profile grappling matches are typically available via pay-per-view or subscription services dedicated to combat sports.

For local Brevard County fans, several sports bars have confirmed they’ll be showing the event, including [local venues would be listed here].

My Prediction

If you’re asking me to pick a winner, I’m giving the slightest edge to Leon. His ability to make adjustments between matches has been impressive, and I think he’ll come in with a gameplan specifically designed to neutralize Ruotolo’s strengths.

That said, counting out a talent like Ruotolo would be foolish. His ceiling remains unlimited, and at such a young age, his development between matches can be dramatic.

Will You Be Watching History Unfold?

This isn’t just another grappling match—it’s the rare third chapter in a rivalry between two athletes who bring out the best in each other. Whether you’re a hardcore BJJ fan or an MMA enthusiast who appreciates the ground game, this is appointment viewing.

Drop a comment below with your prediction for this trilogy match! Are you team Leon or team Ruotolo? And what other grappling matchups would you like to see analysis on?

Stay tuned for our follow-up coverage after the match concludes!