Garry Tonon

Early Life and Wrestling Foundation

Garry Tonon began his grappling journey in 5th grade, initially competing in wrestling. Over five dedicated years, he developed a strong grappling foundation that would later become instrumental in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career. At age 14, Tonon transitioned from wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, marking the pivotal shift toward the martial art that defined his competitive trajectory.

BJJ Black Belt Journey Under Tom deBlass and Ricardo Almeida

After training at various academies, Tonon found his home under the mentorship of Tom deBlass and Ricardo Almeida. Under their guidance, he rapidly advanced through the ranks, earning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in mid-September 2013. Representing Renzo Gracie Academy NJ/Ocean County, Tonon achieved notable success in prestigious tournaments, including the IBJJF World and Pan American Championships.

Rise as a No-Gi Specialist and Submission-Only Competitor

Tonon quickly emerged as a leading figure in no-gi grappling, particularly excelling in submission-only formats. His aggressive, submission-focused style earned him widespread recognition at premier events such as Metamoris, Polaris, and the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI). Tonon's relentless pursuit of submissions, especially his mastery of leg lock attacks, earned him the nickname "Lion Killer" and established him as one of the most feared competitors in the grappling world.

Technical Style and Signature Techniques

Tonon's grappling style is characterized by dynamic movement, relentless pressure, and sophisticated leg lock entries. His systematic approach to heel hooks and kneebars, combined with precise positional control, has influenced a generation of grapplers seeking to emulate his aggressive submission-hunting methodology.

Founding Member of Danaher Death Squad and Transition to New Wave Jiu-Jitsu

As an original member of the influential Danaher Death Squad, Tonon trained extensively under renowned coach John Danaher, alongside elite teammates such as Eddie Cummings and Gordon Ryan. Following the team's dissolution in 2021, Tonon joined Danaher's new venture, New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, based in Austin, Texas. He remains actively involved in coaching and instruction, regularly assisting Danaher during classes and training camps. His commitment to the team was evident at ADCC 2022, where he provided mat-side coaching to teammates despite not competing himself.

ONE Championship MMA Career and Title Pursuit

Tonon transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2018, signing with ONE Championship. In 2022, he challenged for the ONE Featherweight World Title but experienced his first MMA defeat via TKO. Undeterred, Tonon rebounded impressively in 2023, securing submission victories over Johnny Nunez by first-round kimura in January and previously-undefeated Dagestani wrestler Shamil Gasanov by second-round kneebar in July. These victories re-established Tonon as a top contender in the 145-pound division, highlighting his continued reliance on a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-centric approach within MMA competition.

Potential Return to Submission Grappling and Desired Opponents

In 2023, Tonon expressed openness to returning to submission grappling competition, provided the matchups are compelling and compatible with his MMA schedule. He specifically mentioned interest in marquee events such as ADCC World Championship or title matches on Who's Number One. Tonon identified potential opponents including Tye Ruotolo, Renato Canuto, and Dante Leon, signaling his desire to revisit past rivalries and test himself against the new generation of elite grapplers.

Personal Brand and Business Ventures

Tonon has successfully cultivated a distinctive personal brand that blends humor and charisma with his fierce competitive reputation. Known for his entertaining personality and aggressive grappling style, he has leveraged his popularity into various business ventures. These include merchandise lines such as Lion Killer rashguards, affiliate programs, and international seminars. Through these initiatives, Tonon has established a stable business platform that supports his competitive ambitions without financial strain, further solidifying his legacy within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.