“He fights more playing guard” - Guard passing savant Gabriel Sousa compares his grappling style to Mikey Musumeci

Former IBJJF world champion Gabriel Sousa of Brazil says he and reigning ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion 'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci have an interesting contrast of styles.

Sousa is the last man to defeat Musumeci, when he submitted the talented Italian-American star with a north-south choke in September 2021 at Who's Number One.

Now, the 27-year-old Brazilian standout is looking for a repeat performance against 'Darth Rigatoni' when he makes his debut in the world's largest martial arts organization.

Sousa told ONE Championship:

"Our fighting styles are different. I don't play guard much and he doesn't pass guard. It's not that he doesn't pass guard, but he doesn't fight much on top, he fights more playing guard. I believe it is his preference."

Gabriel Sousa is set to face Mikey Musumeci in a bantamweight submission grappling match at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video.

The event broadcasts live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action on U.S. primetime, live and absolutely free on Friday, June 7th, only on Amazon Prime Video.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event.

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Gabriel Sousa promises to repeat his performance against Mikey Musumeci at ONE 167 on Prime Video: "I think I'm a more complete athlete today"

27-year-old Brazilian star Gabriel Sousa is confident he can defeat 'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci again when the two hit the mats at ONE 167 on Prime Video next week.

Sousa says he has improved by leaps and bounds since his first meeting with Musumeci in 2021 and hopes to dominate the Italian-American star once again in ONE Championship.

He said:

"I also worked a lot on guard passing. I think I'm a more complete athlete today than I was in 2021, so I think that will count for a lot."