The Lion Killer’s Self‑Critique: A Fight for Improvement
Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon isn’t just a grappling wizard—he’s a master of poking a little at himself. After dazzling fans with two stoppage victories at ONE Championship, he’s already rolling out his gloves and digging into the grind bite‑by‑bite.
What’s the Secret Sauce?
- “I didn’t feel‑out the opponent enough.” He says he rushed straight in, got hit a lot, and that early sting made him fumble the rest of the fight.
- “Head tilt = disaster.” Listening to his own head jab backward, he’s learning that even a single misdirected jab can flip him over.
- “Mirror‑image pacing.” When his opponent didn’t move, Tonon oddly matched the rhythm—like sticking to a drum beat he didn’t want.
He’s not padding his résumé with flashy bragging; he focuses on the gaps that will make the next opponent’s jaw drop. Every sparring session is a chance to spot more flaws and clean them up.
Fight Night Prep: Going to the Grinder, Not the Riddle Box
Tonon’s next bout is on Friday, 9 November at ONE: HEART OF THE LION in Singapore, facing fellow grappler Sung Jong Lee. He’s steered clear of revealing the secret sauce while training at the Renzo Gracie Academy, New York.
“If I lay out what I’m e‑x‑p‑loring, Lee’s going to know what to duck for,” he jokes. Instead, he’s watching Lee’s moves from a safe distance, looking to stay un‑surprised. He even predicts the fight will spend more time on the ground—thanks to Lee’s grappling prowess.
Training Goals: Broader Than the Opponent
Tonon’s camp isn’t on a one‑track “defeat Lee” plan; it’s a holistic job of sharpening his mixed‑martial‑arts toolbox. He says each skill he polishes now can be swapped into any future fight.
With that mindset, “The Lion Killer” is not just preparing for a single match; he’s climbing the ladder of his own craft, taking every setback and turning it into a level up.
Anticipated Crowd Reaction
- Fans of grappling will get the classic takedowns.
- Those who love eyes‑hot‑on‑action will watch for his newfound striking calm.
- Everyone will admire the balance between bravado and humility he keeps in check.
When he steps back onto the ONE stage, he’ll bring the roar of the crowd—plus a tighter game plan that only he knows how to execute. The world waits in anticipation as the Lion Killer continues his journey under ONE Championship’s bright lights.
