Prominent grappler Mikey Musumeci secured his initial victory competing for the UFC. While the UFC has long featured submission experts, the promotion is now making a dedicated push into the submission grappling scene with its UFC BJJ initiative.
To launch this new endeavor, the UFC produced a reality series structured similarly to `The Ultimate Fighter`. Musumeci, previously with ONE Championship, coached on ‘UFC BJJ: Road to the Title’ before stepping onto the competition mat himself on June 25th.
Mikey Musumeci references legendary Royce Gracie after his UFC BJJ 1 main event triumph
On June 25th, Mikey Musumeci became the inaugural winner of a UFC BJJ main event, submitting Rerisson Gabriel with a heel hook in the third round. This victory adds the first-ever UFC BJJ bantamweight title to ‘Darth Rigatoni’s impressive collection. Two other champions were crowned in earlier bouts that evening.
Musumeci is an accomplished grappler, notably the first American black belt to secure multiple IBJJF world championships, holding five titles overall. Despite his existing accolades, the 28-year-old expressed immense pride in making UFC history by headlining the first-ever UFC BJJ event.
Coincidentally, the UFC`s very first event in 1993 also featured a dominant grappling victory by Royce Gracie, who significantly elevated jiu-jitsu`s profile. In his post-fight interview, Musumeci drew a parallel to Gracie`s pioneering role.
“It`s incredibly special. Looking back at history, this is UFC BJJ 1. It reminds me of Royce Gracie`s era, and I was the first main event. It`s truly an honor.”
Mikey Musumeci comments on other promotions after joining the UFC`s BJJ venture
Mikey Musumeci has consistently aimed to contribute to the growth of jiu-jitsu and submission grappling. He feels that the UFC`s support provides the ideal, stable platform for this growth.
Speaking to reporters after his win, Musumeci suggested that UFC BJJ will motivate more athletes because it`s a robust and enduring promotion.
“I could have potentially joined other organizations for a quick payout, but I prioritized what would ensure the sport`s greatest and most sustainable growth, not just something fueled by investors that eventually goes bankrupt. Investors can cause random organizations to fail. I believe what we`ve built and are building is genuinely sustainable.”
UFC BJJ has already scheduled further events for the year, set for July 31st, October 2nd, and December 11th.
Neville Whittle