Ocean County’s Tom DeBlass is officially returning to professional MMA competition. The Ricardo Almeida black belt detailed his multi-fight contract with ONE Championship in a Facebook post earlier today.
Retiring from the sport in 2013, DeBlass cited a lack of interest and a desire to focus on BJJ as his reasons for leaving Bellator. With a 9-2 record, he left many feeling he still had a lot of potential in the cage. DeBlass has since gone on to coach world class students like Gary Tonnon to global success in both grappling and MMA.
Going into the same promotion as said student, DeBlass felt that ONE was a good fit for him and an adequate place to ride out his remaining competitive years. Competing at light heavyweight in his youth, there’s no word on if he plans to keep the same weight class.
The JJT will follow DeBlass’ MMA return as more details emerge.
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