‘The Biggest Title In Jiu-Jitsu’ – Mikey Musumeci Reflects On Historic Win, Eyes Matchup With DJ
When Mikey Musumeci earned a hard-fought decision over longtime rival Cleber Sousa at ONE on Prime Video 2, he etched his name in the history books as the first-ever Submission Grappling World Champion in ONE.
Now 2-0 since joining the organization, the Italian-American star was thrilled to pick up the win and gain a 2-1 edge in his trilogy of battles against Sousa.
But the man nicknamed “Darth Rigatoni” also recognizes that his victory and the match itself represent much more than just another tally in the win column.
Above all, it marked a pivotal moment in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling.
The newly crowned ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion said:
“I am the first champion of ONE ever in submission grappling. There are going to be so many amazing champions, but this is the beginning of it. Me and Cleber put on an amazing, exciting match for everyone. And we made history together. So it was an honor.
Although he was already a five-time IBJJF World Champion, Musumeci believes the 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold around his waist represents the biggest accomplishment of his storied career.
He understands the massive platform ONE has given to BJJ, and he’s relishing the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the expansion of the sport worldwide.
The 26-year-old said:
“It means everything to my legacy, you know, because I know ONE Championship is the biggest title in jiu-jitsu. And for future generations, this will be everything for everyone.
“So to be the first person to get it, it’s so special. I’m just honored that I’m the first person.”
Musumeci Wants To Make More History With Demetrious Johnson
Now the flyweight submission grappling king in ONE, Musumeci is eyeing an opponent that he’s certain would attract an enormous amount of viewers.
That opponent is none other than all-time MMA GOAT and current ONE Flyweight World Champion Demetrious Johnson.
Having already achieved all of his dreams, Musumeci explained why he wants “Mighty Mouse” next:
“Right now, my dream matchup would be with Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson, just because of the number of eyes we could get on submission grappling, with me and such a legend like him.
“For me now, I won every title I wanted to in jiu-jitsu. Literally, every title I wanted. So now for me, it’s about having an impact on others and bringing as many people to watch and do jiu-jitsu as I can.”
Always respectful, “Darth Rigatoni” would welcome the chance to not only test his BJJ skills against the best MMA fighter ever – but also to lift submission grappling to new heights.
The Evolve representative added:
“I know that it would be the most viewed match in jiu-jitsu history. So when I say it would be the biggest match, I know that we would make history together. And I am such a fan of him, you know, like, I’m really a fan of ‘Mighty Mouse.’ It would just be an honor to train with him.”
