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Tag: Mikey Musumeci

  • UFC BJJ 3: Mikey Musumeci vs. Keven Carrasco Results & Highlights

    UFC BJJ 3: Mikey Musumeci vs. Keven Carrasco Results & Highlights

    UFC BJJ 3 went down on Thursday, October 2, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the event is officially in the books.

    In the main event, reigning UFC BJJ bantamweight king Mikey Musumeci put on a masterclass in his first title defense, dismantling rising challenger Keven Carrasco. “Darth Rigatoni” needed less than a round to secure his trademark Mikey Lock, forcing the tap for a flawless finish.

    Meanwhile, in the co-main event, lightweight champ Carlos Henrique defended his title with a commanding unanimous decision over three-time world champion Matheus Gabriel.

    Additionally, Andy Varela, Ana Mayordomo, and Jalen Fonacier each earned Submission of the Night honors, cashing in bonuses for their impressive finishes at UFC BJJ 3.

    UFC BJJ 3 Complete Results

    Fight Card

    • Bantamweight Title Bout: Mikey Musumeci def. Keven Carrasco via submission (Mikey Lock) (R1, 3:01)
    • Lightweight Title Bout: Carlos Henrique def. Matheus Gabriel via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • 155 pounds: Samuel Nagai def. Kennedy Maciel via unanimous decision
    • 125 pounds: Cassia Moura def. Alex Enriquez via unanimous decision
    • 185 pounds: Jansen Gomes defeats Gustavo Batista via unanimous decision
    • 170 pounds: Andy Murasaki defeats Kris Olivo via submission (Kimura) (R3, 4:38)
    • 170 pounds: Andy Varela defeats Daniel Sathler via submission (Rear-naked choke) (R2, 4:15)
    • 125 pounds: Ana Mayordomo defeats Shye Lilly via submission (Armbar) (R1, 4:22)
    • 135 pounds: Jalen Fonacier defeats Pedro Nakano via submission (Heel hook) (R1, 1:13)

    Kennedy Maciel vs Samuel Nagai

    Jansen Gomes vs. Gustavo Batista

    Andy Murasaki vs. Kris Olivio

    Andy Varela vs. Daniel Sathler

    Shye Lilly vs. Ana Mayordomo

    Jalen Fonacier vs. Pedro Nakano

    Check out the full UFC BJJ 3 event below:

  • ‘BIG DECK ENERGY’ — Fans React As Dana White Introduces Pit-Style ‘Bowl’ Ahead of UFC BJJ Debut on June 25

    ‘BIG DECK ENERGY’ — Fans React As Dana White Introduces Pit-Style ‘Bowl’ Ahead of UFC BJJ Debut on June 25

    The UFC is rolling out its latest battleground in the combat sports arena.

    On Friday, the world’s leading MMA promotion officially launched its latest endeavor — UFC BJJ, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition platform. The inaugural event, UFC BJJ 1, is set for June 25 during UFC International Fight Week and will feature three championship bouts to crown the first-ever bantamweight, lightweight, and welterweight titleholders.

    While the full lineup of participants remains under wraps for now, one high-profile matchup has been confirmed: multiple-time world champion Mikey Musumeci will face rising talent Rerisson Gabriel for the inaugural 135-pound title.

    Additionally, the newly launched grappling promotion will debut UFC BJJ: Road to the Title, a reality series inspired by The Ultimate Fighter. The eight-episode season, set to premiere on June 16, will feature Musumeci and Gabriel as rival coaches.

    UFC BJJ: Road to the Title
    Image: @ufcbjj/Instagram

    Ahead of its debut, UFC CEO Dana White unveiled the distinctive arena for UFC BJJ—an innovative enclosure dubbed “The Bowl.” Designed with sunken pit-like walls, the structure ensures continuous action by preventing athletes from spilling out of bounds during grappling contests.

    However, the exact dimensions and technical specifications have yet to be revealed.

    Fans Share Diverse Views On UFC BJJ Bowl Enclosure

    The UFC BJJ’s Bowl structure has drawn mixed reactions from combat sports fans. While many praised the innovative design and unique layout of the structure, others criticized it for resembling the setup used in Australian grappling star Craig Jones’ own promotion.

    https:/x.com/alimerry_/status/1931615184658837

    https://twitter.com/BigDeckSports/status/1931586984599814542

    The pit-like design isn’t a fresh concept in combat sports. Karate Combat has long utilized angled pit walls for their striking bouts, and they’ve recently expanded into grappling with their Pit Submission Series.

    Image: UFC.com
  • Mikey Musumeci Considers MMA Transition Following Exclusive UFC Deal

    Mikey Musumeci Considers MMA Transition Following Exclusive UFC Deal

    Mikey Musumeci is charting a course toward an MMA career, but not before conquering the grappling world under the UFC’s spotlight.

    The former ONE flyweight grappling champion signed an exclusive deal with the UFC earlier this month, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both him and the promotion.

    Musumeci is tasked with making his promotional debut against Felipe Machado on Dec. 5 in Las Vegas at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 9.

    As a highly accomplished grappler, “Darth Rigatoni” has long been thrilled by the idea of blending disciplines in MMA. Now, with his association with the UFC, that ambition seems well within his grasp.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Musumeci shared his enthusiasm about joining the UFC, highlighting how it will allow him to refine the nuances of MMA under the guidance of the sport’s top professionals. He also affirmed that a transition to MMA is inevitable in his future.

    “I have the desire to maybe do MMA again in the future,” Musumeci said. “I’m young, my body is very young. I’ve never taken steroids, so my body is like 20, 21, actually. I can have many more years of competition still. Being in the UFC now, I’ll have the opportunity to train with a lot more people that I wouldn’t in the past, and learn from them on the feet, takedowns, wrestling. The first thing I loved in life was MMA. If I can have the opportunity to fight MMA in the UFC, that’s going to be a dream, too.”

    The 28-year-old New Jersey native is undeniably hyped about what lies ahead in his career, but he made it clear that his journey into MMA will only come after he’s contributed to elevating jiu-jitsu within the UFC and inspiring the next generation of fighters.

    “I want to do MMA, but the gift God has given me was jiu-jitsu, so I have to grow our sport first. I can’t leave our sport before helping it grow to a place where other people, other kids can have an organization to compete at in the future.”

    Musumeci made his mark under the ONE Championship umbrella, where he began competing in October 2022 and maintained an impressive 7-0 undefeated streak. “Darth Rigatoni” was slated to defend his flyweight title against IBJJF world champion Carlos Oliveira on short notice in the co-main event of ONE 168 this past September.

    Unfortunately, Musumeci was unable to make the 135-pound weight limit and failed a hydration test at the last minute, which resulted in him being stripped of his title.

    Adding to the setback, he was hospitalized with pneumomediastinum, forcing him to withdraw from the fight entirely. Not long after these challenges, Musumeci severed ties with the promotion.

  • Former ONE World Champion Signs Exclusive Deal With The UFC

    Former ONE World Champion Signs Exclusive Deal With The UFC

    UFC president Dana White took to social media last night to announce some ground-breaking news for the promotion. In recent years, the UFC Fight Pass Invitational has started to become a major fixture in the submission grappling world and it appears that the UFC is going to double down on this in the next few months.

    White broke the news that former ONE Championship star Mikey Musumeci has signed to become the UFC’s first-ever exclusive grappling competitor. He is set to make his FPI debut on December 5 at the Apex in Las Vegas where he faces Felipe Machado in the main event.

    White’s social media video hyped up Musumeci’s arrival along with the statement that this big signing is set to be the first of many that are coming in the near future.

    “Over the course of the last year, I’ve been working on developing the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu program in the world. I am excited to announce that we’ve signed Mikey Musumeci to the first-ever exclusive BJJ promotional agreement in the company’s history. If you don’t know, Mikey is considered by many to be the best BJJ player in the world and he is a multiple-time world champion and unbeaten over the past eight years at 135-pounds. This will be the first of many we will sign over the coming months.”

    ONE Championship has also looked to capitalize on the growing interest in submission grappling over the past few years by signing some of the top athletes in the sport like Musumeci and the Ruotolo brothers. Musumeci became the promotion’s inaugural flyweight submission grappling world champion and defended the belt several times before announcing his departure from the promotion last week.

    He was recently stripped of the flyweight title after failing to make weight and pass his hydration test after agreeing to a late notice title defense at ONE 168 this past September. A video of Musumeci being sat at the Apex alongside the UFC boss prompted some speculation that this could be his next destination.

  • ONE 168 Results & Highlights: Superlek KOs Jonathan Haggerty In 49 Seconds, Becomes Two-Sport Champ

    ONE 168 Results & Highlights: Superlek KOs Jonathan Haggerty In 49 Seconds, Becomes Two-Sport Champ

    ONE Championship was back for its second event in the United States this week, and MMA News has you covered with all the action!

    In May 2023, the organization presented ONE Fight Night 10 from the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The event marked its on-site debut in the United States, and ONE Championship brought a stacked card worthy of the occasion that was topped by American legend Demetrious Johnson.

    This year, a new set of prominent names are looking to make a splash on US soil, starting at ONE 168 inside the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday night.

    A championship was once again on the line in the closing act. Rather than MMA, however, ONE’s sophomore card in “The Centennial State” saw Muay Thai gold at stake in the main event as two-sport titleholder Jonathan Haggerty defended his bantamweight belt against flyweight kickboxing kingpin Superlek Kiatmoo9.

    The Thai star continued his streak of dominance, following victories over Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa with a 49-second knockout of Haggerty to become a two-sport kingpin.

    https://twitter.com/Haduuuucken/status/1832273221225173415

    One of the United States’ top submission grapplers was expected to compete until early on fight day. Mikey Musumeci was originally set to challenge ONE lightweight submission grappling king Kade Ruotolo weeks on from the Hawaiian’s $1 million triumph at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational. However, an injury stemming from that event forced his late withdrawal this week.

    Musumeci initially remained on the card, but that decision came at a cost. While initially scheduled to challenge for the 170-pound gold, “Darth Rigatoni” was instead booked to defend his 135-pound belt opposite Bebeto Oliveira. But after missing weight and hydration on Thursday, Musumeci was stripped of the title and, due to the effects of his unsuccessful weight cut, has subsequently decided not to compete.

    Nevertheless, the lineup still saw British brawler Liam Harrison make his return from injury opposite the always exciting Seksan, former UFC fighter and ex-ONE MMA titleholder John Lineker debut in Muay Thai, Kill Cliff FC standout Aung La N Sang in next assignment, and the highly touted Adrian Lee make his second ONE appearance.

    With that said, see below for the full results followed by all the highlights!

    ONE 168: Denver Results & Highlights

    Full Card:

    • Bantamweight Muay Thai Championship: Superlek Kiatmoo9 def. Jonathan Haggerty via KO (elbow): R1, 0:49
    • Flyweight Submission Grappling Championship: Mikey Musumeci vs. Bebeto Oliveira
    • Catchweight (140lbs) Muay Thai: Seksan Or. Kwanmuang def. Liam Harrison via TKO: R2, 1:49
    • Catchweight (213.75lbs) MMA: Shamil Erdogan def. Aung La N Sang via TKO (ground strikes): R2, 2:48
    • Bantamweight Muay Thai: John Lineker def. Asa Ten Pow via KO (punch): R2, 2:50
    • Lightweight MMA: Maurice Abevi vs. Samat Mamedov
    • Atomweight MMA: Victoria Souza def. Alyse Anderson via unanimous decision
    • Welterweight MMA: Isi Fitikefu def. Hiroyuki Tetsuka via unanimous decision
    • Lightweight MMA: Adrian Lee def. Nico Cornejo via submission (rear-naked choke): R1, 2:37
    • Flyweight Muay Thai: Johan Ghazali def. Josue Cruz via KO (punch): R1, 3:00
    • Flyweight Muay Thai: Johan Estupinan def. Sean Climaco via TKO: R2, 1:28

    Johan Estupinan Def. Sean Climaco

    Johan Ghazali Def. Josue Cruz

    Adrian Lee Def. Nico Cornejo

    Isi Fitikefu Def. Hiroyuki Tetsuka

    Victoria Souza Def. Alyse Anderson

    John Lineker Def. Asa Ten Pow

    Shamil Erdogan Def. Aung La N Sang

    Seksan Or. Kwanmuang Def. Liam Harrison

    Superlek Kiatmoo9 Def. Jonathan Haggerty

  • ONE’s Mikey Musumeci Stripped Of Title After Failing Three-Day, 35-Pound Weight Cut

    ONE’s Mikey Musumeci Stripped Of Title After Failing Three-Day, 35-Pound Weight Cut

    ONE Championship flyweight submission grappling titleholder Mikey Musumeci recently became embroiled in controversy after being stripped of his belt for missing weight ahead of his upcoming bout.

    Musumeci was originally set to challenge lightweight grappling champion Kade Ruotolo in the co-main event of ONE 168: Denver on Friday night. However, in a dramatic twist during fight week, Ruotolo was forced to withdraw due to injury. Consequently, the promotion quickly arranged for reigning IBJJF world champion Carlos Oliveira to step in as a last-minute replacement, facing Musumeci for his flyweight title.

    With just three days’ notice, “Darth Rigatoni” was tasked with dropping to 135 pounds, a significant cut from the originally planned 170-pound limit. Despite the extreme difficulty of such a rapid weight loss, Musumeci gave it his all. However, at Thursday’s official weigh-in, the 28-year-old New Jersey native came in at 142 pounds, missing the mark by seven pounds.

    To make matters worse, he also failed the hydration test, resulting in Musumeci being stripped of his ONE Championship title. The fight will still proceed as a catchweight bout, but now only Oliveira has a chance to win the belt if he secures the victory.

    Musumeci Labels Title Stripping The ‘Worst Day’ of His Jiu Jitsu Career

    After failing to meet the required weight and hydration benchmarks, which resulted in the loss of his title, Musumeci took to Instagram to share his emotional response to the situation. In a heartfelt message, ‘Darth Rigatoni’ expressed his sincere apologies to both his supporters and Oliveira for missing weight.

    “Probably one of the worst days of my life in jiu jitsu,” Musumeci wrote. “I wanted so bad to compete in ONE 168 in Denver. I felt horrible for the fans who were coming to see me, and I felt I was letting them down. I tried to make the championship 135 pounds weight in about 72 hours, but it was too much on short notice after preparing for the Kade match. My body and hydration shut down when I got to 136 [pounds] earlier today.”

    “Today I lost my belt, today I let down the fans, and I want to apologize to my opponent Bebeto, someone I respect greatly, for not being able to make the weight. I’m so sorry to everyone, but I gave it my all. But God has everything happen for a reason. I’m so sorry again, everyone.”

    Musumeci is fresh off a dominant first-round submission victory over Gabriel Sousa at ONE 167 this past June. Boasting an undefeated 7-0 record in the promotion, he’s proven himself a force to be reckoned with, maintaining an impressive 71% submission win rate.

  • Injured Kade Ruotolo Out Of ONE 168: Denver Title Fight Following Craig Jones Invitational Win

    Injured Kade Ruotolo Out Of ONE 168: Denver Title Fight Following Craig Jones Invitational Win

    ONE Championship’s upcoming return to the United States has taken a major hit.

    After fortifying its status among combat promotions in Asia, ONE began its pursuit of further prominence on US soil by debuting in the region last year. The successful ONE Fight Night 10 card took place at the 1stBankCenter in Broomfield, where Demetrious Johnson, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, and Stamp Fairtex were among the major winners.

    The organization is back in Colorado almost 16 months later, with Denver’s Ball Arena playing host to ONE’s sophomore US event. But when it comes to putting on a stacked lineup for the American audience, not everything has gone to plan this time around.

    ONE 168, set for this Friday, September 6, first lost its strawweight MMA title headliner between champion Xiong Jing Nan and atomweight queen Stamp after the latter tore her meniscus in May.

    And just as fight week gets underway, the upcoming card has taken another huge blow…

    Ruotolo Out Of Musumeci Super Fight, ‘Dealing With Injuries’ After CJI Triumph

    In the absence of Xiong vs. Stamp, another champ vs. champ showdown was cemented as the main event in Jonathan Haggerty vs. Superlek Kiatmoo9. Co-headlining, meanwhile, was slated to be a submission grappling title fight.

    Among those raising the prominence of submission grappling in ONE are Kade Ruotolo and Mikey Musumeci. The pair were scheduled to do battle for the former’s lightweight title at ONE 168, with “Darth Rigatoni” moving up three weight classes to take on the challenge.

    But after emerging $1 million richer from the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational last month, Ruotolo is carrying injuries and has been left unable to share the Circle with Musumeci in Denver.

    “Just going to start by saying this year has been a hectic one,” Ruotolo wrote on Facebook. “I am proud for accomplishing my goals this year of competing in gi, nogi and mma. I’m unfortunately dealing with injuries. I know a lot of people, including myself and Mikey were looking forward to the One match in Denver but unfortunately it’s off.

    “Im going to be recovering alongside my brother and hope to get back to the mats asap. Massive thank you to @onechampionships for being the best martial arts platform @yodchatri,” he concluded.

    It’s unclear whether Musumeci will remain on the lineup and receive a replacement opponent. But should he and Ruotolo be off the card, ONE 168 will have lost one of its biggest matchups and both of its big-name US athletes.