Sokor grappler plans to submit BJJ superstar Garry Tonon
NAGA No-Gi Grappling Champion Sung Jong Lee (4-2) has set his sights on finishing one of the most talented submission specialists in the world.
On November 9, the South Korean will square off against fivetime EBI Grappling Champion Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon (20) in a featherweight tilt at ONE: Heart of the Lio , which will broadcast live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
This is the type of match-up Lee has been looking for his whole career.
“When I first heard his name, I couldn’t believe it,” Lee says. “I was surprised and thrilled all at the same time.”
Coming up in the jiu-jitsu world, Lee – a 10th Planet disciple – has spent countless hours studying the American’s techniques throughout the years.
The South Korean is acutely aware of the danger Tonon presents in their upcoming contest, but believes his own mixed martial arts background and overall skill set will give him an advantage in their three-round affair in Singapore.
In addition to having more bouts under his belt, Lee also has more stoppage victories. He has a 100 percent finishing rate, having submitted three opponents via heel hook and stopping another via strikes.
“I am a mixed martial artist with jiu-jitsu as one of my strengths,” he explains. “I cannot ignore his power and experience, but I am a better all-around martial artist.”
The South Korean made his promotional debut against ONE lightweight world title challenger Amir Khan at ONE: Unstoppable Dreams in May. Although he was up against a more experienced opponent, he showed he is a martial artist to watch.
The expectation was that Lee would avoid exchanges on the feet and dive straight for his opponent’s legs. However, he did not back down from standing toe-to-toe with the Singaporean striker and throwing hard leather.
During a few of those exchanges, Lee landed hard shots and had his rival moving backward. The 33year-old also showed his durability as he pushed forward in the face of heavy fire to initiate his grappling attack.
Once he was on the ground, his skills were plain to see, as Khan had to work hard to stay out of his web of submissions.