Mikey Musumeci: ONE Championship’s 135-Pound Submission Grappling King
In addition to being the most decorated American born Jiu-Jitsu champion of all time, Mikey Musumeci is also the holder of ONE Championship’s flyweight submission grappling world title, and as time goes on, he only adds to the greatness that he has already achieved by 27 years old.
While he is now mostly focusing on No Gi grappling, Musumeci originally stuck to IBJJF tournaments in the Gi, where he achieved a multitude of accolades and set several records. He was the first ever 3-time American black belt world champion, first American multi-weight black belt champion, and holds the record for fastest ever submission in a black belt final (12 seconds).
Earlier this month at ONE Fight Night 15, ‘Darth Rigatoni’ defeated the Pride FC legend Shinya Aoki (47-11 in MMA) with a leg lock just three minutes into their contest. But, this was not just any leg lock, this was a modified heel hook created by Musumeci’s opponent and thus appropriately labeled the “Aoki Lock”.
Mikey Musumeci 🇺🇸 submits the legendary Shinya Aoki with an "Aoki lock" 🤯
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Since signing with the organization in 2022, Mikey has racked up six straight wins, four of which were by submission. Furthermore, he feels a responsibility as one of the top competitors to bring attention to submission grappling a premier combat sport, and continues to find more and more interesting ways to challenge himself and finish opponents in the process.
Back in April 2022 at ONE 156, Musumeci’s had his first fight with the company and was matched up with the legendary Japanese grappler, and MMA veteran, Masakazu Imanari (39-22-2 in MMA). Mikey made quick work of his opponent by executing a dexterous back take, which lead to the finish by rear naked choke in just over four minutes.
mikey musumeci imanari ONE championship Jiu Jitsu pic.twitter.com/8LSbIzw3mB
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While no upcoming fight has been announced for Musumeci at this time, he never sits out for too long, and we will surely see his Jiu-Jitsu prowess back on display under the bright lights at another electrifying event produced by ONE Championship.
THE NEW GUARD: Mikey Musumeci (Full Film):