Mikey Musumeci Wins First-Ever ONE Submission Grappling World Title
Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci has made history.
In the co-main event of ONE on Prime Video 2, the elite BJJ black belt claimed the inaugural ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title – the organization’s first golden belt ever awarded in the sport.
Musumeci attacked longtime rival Cleber Sousa relentlessly from his vaunted open guard for the majority of the match, rarely taking his foot off the gas as he piled up submission threat after submission threat to earn a hard-fought decision.
To his credit, Sousa never slowed in his passing attempts. The Brazilian showed little fear in working a wide variety of guard passes, finding his best success when running around to a north-south position.
“Darth Rigatoni’s” guard would prove to be too much, though, as he was able to consistently wrap up Sousa’s legs or arms each time the latter entered to pass.
From there, Musumeci found himself deep in several leg entanglements and arm attacks.
Despite numerous near leg-lock finishes, “Clandestino” was able to survive the full 10 minutes, but the American had earned the clear-cut decision.
The five-time IBJJF World Champion is now 2-0 in ONE Championship and seems poised to be a major star in the submission grappling ranks for years to come.
After the match, an emotional Musumeci reflected on his momentous victory.
“I worked so hard for this title. Twenty-two years of jiu-jitsu came to this moment,” he said. “This is the biggest title of my life.”
The newly crowned ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling Champion also made a respectful request for his next opponent – MMA GOAT Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson:
“I just want to share the mat with him, and we could make history together,” he added. “It would be an honor to step on the mat with him.”