“Eager to keep learning” - BJJ superstar Mikey Musumeci reflects on his life journey on his 28th birthday

It may be his birthday, but Mikey Musumeci is laser-focused on becoming the best submission grappler he can be. Musumeci recently turned 28 years old, and the reigning ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion reflected on the struggles and achievements that made him into the man he is.

'Darth Rigatoni' wrote on Instagram that he wishes to keep improving at his craft and possibly become an even better fighter in the coming year.

He wrote:

"2️⃣8️⃣ Years old // How am I still alive?? 😅 🤷‍♂️ So blessed the path God has me on every day and all the obstacles that are given to me! Eager to keep learning, growing, and improving another year! God bless everyone ❤️😊"

Mikey Musumeci is already in the conversation as one of the best submission grapplers of his generation and is often called one of the finest technicians in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

The American superstar was a five-time BJJ world champion before he arrived at ONE Championship in 2022.

He has since carved a perfect 7-0 record with five submission wins in the promotion. After an emotional submission win over old nemesis Gabriel Sousa at ONE 167, Musumeci has a chance at two-division supremacy in his next matchup.

Musumeci will challenge Kade Ruotolo for the ONE lightweight submission grappling world title in a massive super fight at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 at Ball Arena in Colorado.

Tickets for ONE 168: Colorado are available at Ticketmaster.

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Mikey Musumeci confident he can successfully cross over to MMA

It's not uncommon for BJJ artists to transition to MMA, but what is rare is using a whole martial art as a base for the transition. Mikey Musumeci is one such fighter who will attempt to do the impossible.

'Darth Rigatoni' is the ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion and a five-time BJJ world champion, but he believes he can use Muay Thai as his base if he does make the jump to MMA.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani at The MMA Hour, Musumeci said ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon puts him through the wringer every time they train Muay Thai in Bangkok.

Mikey Musumeci said:

"Yes. Right now I have the craziest challenges in my life in jiu-jitsu, right? I had to hold off on focusing on MMA. But I do love Muay Thai. I love learning it. And I'm best friends with Rodtang, one of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world. And he wants to teach (it to) me."

He added:

"And if I could get my stand up level to blue, purple belt level, I feel like I would be very good at MMA. I can have a Muay Thai base."