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Mikey Musumeci had all the motivation he needed for his most recent appearance inside the Circle at ONE 167.
The ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion decided to move up to bantamweight to pursue a rival.
Musumeci says that since he was defeated by Gabriel Sousa three years ago, his former opponent has continued to call him out and criticize him.
The one obstacle to their return was the difference in weight class, with Sousa competing as a bantamweight. In the end, 'Darth Rigatoni' came up to meet him to finally silence the last man to defeat him in competition.
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After dominating Sousa and securing the tap in his best performance under the ONE Championship banner to date, Musumeci vented his frustrations.
He spoke in an interview on The MMA Hour about how Sousa had continued to call him out despite being unwilling to drop down to flyweight to make it happen:
"But I'm like, dude, come down to me if you want to fight me. I'm just doing my own weight class. I'm the best in the world in my weight class. You're good at your division. Leave me the f**k alone. Literally, that's what my vibe was, but he wouldn't stop. So then I'm like, f**k it. Let's go up."
Watch the full interview below:
Mikey Musumeci rose to the occasion
As Mikey Musumeci said himself, you're better off being friendly to him before competing with him unless you want to give him extra motivation.
'Darth Rigatoni' was fired up throughout the entirety of fight week because he knew this was his opportunity to finally show Sousa that he didn't want this rematch.
Musumeci was on fine form and let it be known loud and clear that his rival had brought this fire out of him, only for him to despatch him with ease.
Now he turns his attention to a grappling super fight for the ages when he clashes with fellow champion Kade Ruotolo at ONE 168 in Denver.
Rewatch the replay of the contest via ONE Championship's YouTube channel below:
