Tom DeBlass Named New Vice President of Grappling at ONE

Tom DeBlass announced in an Instagram post that he has been named the new vice president of Grappling at ONE Championship. DeBlass and ONE grappling president Leo Vieira are in charge of grappling matches for the promotion.

Tom DeBlass’ Announcement

The Renzo Gracie black belt and popular Instagram poster announced his new position with ONE on Instagram.

“Finally, the news I couldn’t wait to announce!

I am officially, along with the great @leovieirabjj, the VP of Grappling for @onechampionship. ONE has the biggest martial arts reach in the world, and we are truly excited to push grappling into the mainstream even more. We believe that grappling athletes should have a world-class platform on which to perform, and ONE has the ability to do that.

I have been a part of the biggest organizations in the world, and by far, I feel the most home with @onechampionship. @leovieirabjj and I will work tirelessly to find the most deserving athletes, and give them the most deserving chances.

When @yodchatri presented me with this opportunity, I immediately said yes. What a blessing for me. People work their entire lives to earn a position such as this, and that is exactly what I did. While I never thought of being the Vice President of grappling in the biggest martial arts organization in the world, I have totally dedicated my life to Jiu-Jitsu, and every day, God proves to me that my efforts are rewarded. I have fallen short so many times, and I understand the road will be bumpy again, yet we won’t stop. Ever.

To the athletes, what you can expect from me?

You can expect total honesty and transparency. I was an athlete before I was a businessman (the same way Leo was), and I understand what it is to be you. Let’s go!!!!

Thank you, Chatri, for always believing in me. I can’t wait to prove you made the right decision.”– Tom DeBlass.

Is This a Good Change For ONE?

Hopefully, Tom DeBlass’s arrival at ONE as the vice president of grappling will improve things within the promotion. The recent fiasco involving ONE grappling champ Mikey Musumeci was another hit to the company’s reputation.

We hope to see improvements with DeBlass on the ONE team and see more elite grapplers get more opportunities.

Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.