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Mikey Musumeci, known to fans as “Darth Rigatoni,” has cemented his reputation as one of the most skilled American-born Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in history. Born into an Italian-American family, Musumeci began training BJJ at the age of four, building an exceptional competitive career alongside his sister, Tammi, a fellow BJJ World Champion. By age 18, Musumeci had earned his black belt and soon made waves at the IBJJF Black Belt World Championships, where he claimed five titles, including a record-breaking 12-second submission in 2019. In 2022, he transitioned to the global stage of ONE Championship, debuting with a submission victory over MMA and grappling legend Masakazu Imanari. Later that year, he made history as ONE’s first-ever Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion, defeating Cleber Sousa.
This success established Musumeci as a leading force in submission grappling, inspiring MMA, wrestling, and kickboxing fans to embrace the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His presence on the ONE roster helped shine a spotlight on BJJ and introduce it to new audiences. But after an unexpected series of challenges around his title defense at ONE 168, Musumeci’s journey with ONE Championship took an unexpected turn, leading him to leave the organization entirely.
The Road to ONE 168 and Health Setbacks
Initially, Musumeci was set to face lightweight champion Kade Ruotolo in a headline match, where he would move up a weight class. But Ruotolo’s injury forced a change, and ONE Championship quickly lined up Bebeto Oliveira as a last-minute opponent, making Musumeci’s title defense official. To make weight, Musumeci attempted a rigorous weight cut. However, he failed the required hydration test and had to vacate his title. Amid the intense physical demands, Musumeci also faced a serious health scare. Practicing diaphragm breathing techniques—a longtime habit to relax before fights—led to pneumomediastinum, a condition where air escapes the lungs into the chest. He found himself in the hospital, unable to fight even after trying to negotiate an openweight bout to stay on the card.
In reflecting on his ordeal, Musumeci expressed disbelief at his body’s reaction, admitting that, despite his disciplined approach, his physical limits had reached a breaking point. “If you know me personally, I’m one of the most stubborn people you will ever meet, and it takes a lot for me to pull out of a match,” he shared. Fans and supporters rallied around him, offering words of encouragement as he took full accountability for the incident. The experience was a humbling moment, but one that underscored Musumeci’s gratitude for his safety and recovery.
Saying Farewell to ONE Championship
Following the incident, Musumeci announced his decision to part ways with ONE Championship. In a respectful Instagram post, he thanked the organization for the platform it provided him to bring BJJ to a global audience and proudly noted his role as its first submission grappling champion. Despite the challenges, he expressed appreciation for the organization and the fans who supported him. “END OF A CHAPTER OF MY LIFE – today I would like to announce I will no longer be living in Asia or competing under ONE Championship,” he wrote.
Looking forward, Musumeci intends to begin a new chapter back in the United States with his family. While the circumstances of his exit from ONE were unexpected, his journey as a pioneer in submission grappling is far from over. Whether he returns to competition, assumes a teaching role, or explores other avenues, fans and fellow athletes will watch closely to see what’s next for the jiu-jitsu icon.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Mikey Musumeci’s departure from ONE Championship closes an influential chapter, but his legacy endures. As a champion who helped bridge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and submission grappling, he has inspired a diverse fan base spanning martial arts from boxing to wrestling. His story is a testament to the dedication and resilience required to reach the top—and stay there. Though this era has come to a close, the martial arts community anticipates seeing where Musumeci’s journey will lead next.
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