Mikey Musumeci has taken over the submission grappling world with his quirky personality and dynamic attacks on the canvas. Now, fans could see him bring that to the world of mixed martial arts in ONE Championship sooner rather than later. At least, according to the man himself.
Submission Grappling Star Mikey Musumeci Ponders MMA Transition
From Las Vegas to Singapore and beyond, Musumeci has been bending the ear of other athletes and picking up tips. Even at ONE Fight Night 10, where Musumeci defended the ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title against Osamah Almarwai, he spent a little time with Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The advice he has been given has made him think about making the switch in the future.
“I want to fight in the future. I would love to. I love challenging myself, and… I love the challenge of it, and I would love to make my jiu-jitsu work with punches being thrown. I think that would be the coolest thing ever,” Musumeci told ONE.
Musumeci is ambitious, as he has talked about going after gold in multiple divisions. However, if the American makes the move, he will not switch divisions. Musumeci feels that he is a natural fit at flyweight, and it would give him the best physical advantage to compete against the upper echelon.
“If I did MMA, I would be in the 125-pound division. I think I’m really physically strong for that weight class, so I think that – if I learn stand-up from these best guys – I would have a really good shot,” “Darth Rigatoni” said.
Championships do not motivate the flyweight grappler. They are merely a byproduct of the pursuit of perfection. Musumeci would plan to utilize that same mindset if he began his journey in MMA.
“When I think about doing MMA, I think of it just like I think of jiu-jitsu: mastering whatever I’m working on. In jiu-jitsu, I don’t think about being a champion. I think about just being the best at whatever I’m working on, perfecting my moves. And that’s what makes me become a champion,” Musumeci said.
With elite grappling, Musumeci knows his focus would need to switch to striking. The American star would have to have a competent attack on the feet and impeccable defense. While there may be doubters, Musumeci believes his mindset has proven he can conquer whatever he puts his mind to if he does decide to pursue the new challenge.
“I feel like in stand-up, it will be the same thing. I’ll want to learn stand-up [so I could] be the best I can be in stand-up, and that [indirect] result will be me winning World Titles. I think my work ethic, how I train, and everything is perfect to become an MMA World Champion,” Musumeci said.
While Musumeci is giving thought to trying his hand at MMA, there is no timetable for such a transition. The ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion still has numerous challenges ahead of him on the global stage. Still, it is an intriguing proposition that could spark compelling matchups in the future should “Darth Rigatoni” don the four-ounce gloves.
