Mikey Musumeci has always been fascinated by the way A championship embodies the “Busy Code”, or the eight samurai virtues. In fact, that was one of the biggest reasons why he decided to accept an offer to sign with ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong earlier this year.
Following his impressive performance against Mazakazu Imanari at ONE 156 this past April, ‘Darth Rigatoni’ has continued to grow his legend as one of the most recognizable stars in the grappling scene.
The 26-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace even has a shot at history. He will attempt to become the first flyweight wrestling world champion ONE to submit in weight at ONE on Prime Video 2: Xiong vs Lee III this Friday, September 30.
Standing in his way would be a familiar foe in Cleber ‘Clandestino’ Sousa, whom Musumeci had fought twice before and split their first two encounters. The stakes will be high for their third contest, which will broadcast live in US primetime via Prime Video.
Before the biggest game of his life, Mikey Musumeci detailed why moving to ONE Championship was one of the best decisions of his life.
The American sense of struggle told ONE in an exclusive interview:
“What I really like about ONE is that it’s not a toxic environment. It’s very, not really saying that much. It’s just out of respect, you know, because it’s just martial arts. Chatri really values martial arts and respect. So the energy that he brings to the board really affects all the athletes. “
It’s clear that ONE’s core values are definitely in line with Musumeci’s. So much so that Americans even packed up and moved to Singapore to train full-time at Evolve MMA.
Mikey Musumeci believes trash talk is unnecessary in combat sports
These days, combat sports and trash talk seem to go hand in hand. After all, it’s the fastest and easiest way to sell combat. Mikey Musumeci is used to needless hostility as it is no different in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu scene.
The five-time IBJJF black belt world champion shared in the same interview with ONE:
“There is a malicious part of jiu-jitsu with all that cr*p-talk stuff and stuff, where people are trying to make money with cr*p-talk. I’m not really comfortable with that. I’m a different kind of person, and I’m very introverted. I have a lot of friends who are just like me, and they gave up jiu-jitsu because of that toxic practice.”
Now that ‘Darth Rigatoni’ has a new home in the world’s largest martial arts organization, he’s grateful he doesn’t have to go through those things again.
“I don’t really like jiu-jitsu when it comes to that part. Chatri gives us a format and a platform where we don’t have to be that type of person, you know. I feel like in some places, people, they force people to do those things.”
Mikey Musumeci is truly one of a kind. He is an exemplary fighter inside the circle, and even a better person outside.
