When it was first announced that Fight to Win Pro was coming to the East Coast, the online buzz made it very clear that 2016 ADCC North American Trials champion Tom DeBlass was a must-have for the Bayville, New Jersey, card. 

Fans of the former UFC fighter and BJJ superstar have patiently waited for his debut on the now-famous stage, and now, we're less than two weeks away from finally seeing it happen.

On Saturday, April 8, DeBlass will face ADCC champion and fellow UFC veteran Ricco Rodriguez during the main event at Fight to Win Pro 30. 

While DeBlass' focus is very much on winning the match, his motivation for doing so comes from one of his students. 


Logan, a 17-year-old blue belt under DeBlass, was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is now facing a tougher fight than any martial arts bout could ever present.

"Logan is very dear to me. He's a great young man, and he's truly someone that I respect. I'm going to do my best to fight so hard for him," DeBlass said. 

Competition helps me become a better man and a better human because I have to sacrifice in order to compete. Now seeing what Logan is going through is motivating me even more to buckle down and do exactly what's needed to give my best and really put on a show in his name and spirit.

DeBlass has already donated $1,000 of his Fight to Win purse to Logan's family so they can help pay for the treatment he needs, but he's hoping that F2W Pro 30, which has been given the official title of "Logan's Fight," will help raise awareness and get more people to donate. 

Those interested in helping out can either contribute directly at the event or through the GoFundMe page that DeBlass has set up for Logan. 


"I've suffered a lot in my life," DeBlass said. "I know what it's like to feel down. I know what it's like to feel out; I know what it's like to want to die. I've been there before, and I want everyone to understand that there's a better day waiting ahead for them. It's not just about bettering myself. It's about bettering everyone around me, and I truly consider the jiu-jitsu world my family."

With so much to fight for, you can bet that DeBlass isn't going to hold back against the significantly heavier Rodriguez on April 8. 

DeBlass has nothing but nice things to say for his opponent, who has been training at the Renzo Gracie gym in Manhattan, the same team that DeBlass came up under through his training with Ricardo Almeida in New Jersey. 

Ricco's been through a lot in life," DeBlass said. "I respect him a lot for all he's done for this sport -- he's an ADCC champ, the first Puerto Rican UFC champ. I mean he's done it all, so he's definitely a legend. I'm creating my own legacy, but at the same time, I respect everyone else's.

If DeBlass' humble, respectful attitude toward his opponent is surprising to you in an age where many professional jiu-jitsu athletes like to use trash talk to hype up their matches, it shouldn't be. Despite his fiercely competitive nature, DeBlass is known just as much for his kindness and generosity as his ability to take out an opponent with his bare hands. 

It's going to be a match that will be well worth the wait, not only for the entertainment these legendary competitors are sure to bring but also for its potential to change one inspiring young man's life for the better.

Watch Fight To Win Pro 30: Logan's Fight LIVE or On Demand ONLY on FloGrappling!

How to Watch Fight To Win Pro 30: Logan's Fight

On TV: Now available on Roku and Apple TV 4 -- download the FloSports app today.
STREAMING: Available only on FloGrappling via monthly or yearly memberships. A yearly FloPRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites. SIGN UP HERE

Join The Conversation On Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloGrappling
• Follow us on Instagram @FloGrappling
• Follow us on Facebook

FloGrappling's hottest content, delivered to your inbox

Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloGrappling mailing list today.