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Grappling superstar Mikey Musumeci recently revealed why he doesn't have a problem challenging bigger opponents anymore.
The flyweight champ has long stood by the old BJJ axiom that techinque always overcomes strength and size. Because Musumeci has been on the smaller side of jiu-jitsu, he worked twice as hard to make sure his techniques were on point before every competition without the use of steroids.
Unfortunately, the grappling world is saturated with guys on steroids - a hard truth that Musumeci vehemently resents. Ironically, it was the drive he needed in order to become one of the best grapplers in the world.
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Speaking on The MMA Hour, Musumeci explained:
"I remember when I was younger, I didn't even know if it was possible to beat them, because all my idols that I was looking up to were on steroids. So it just made me like, 'Can I do it [and beat them]?' The uncertainty of it right? But then what happened was my jiu-jitsu became another level. Because I didn't rely on strength, I didn't rely on using that mindset."
'Darth Rigatoni' is set to continue his dominant hold in jiu-jitsu with his biggest test to date. On September 6, Musumeci will move up to lightweight to challenge divisional king Kade Ruotolo of his gold at ONE 168: Denver.
"I've just had a PIZZA EXORCISM" - 'Loving' Mikey Musumeci returns after 'bully' Musumeci stays in Thailand
Mikey Musumeci has left behind the 'bully' version of himself back in Thailand when he landed in Brooklyn, USA, this week.
The Italian-American champion was eager to return home after an exhausting fight card at ONE 167. One of the first places he visited was, of course, a pizza parlour in New York City.
Sharing his happiness on Instagram, Mikey Musumeci wrote the caption:
"BACK HOME- BROOKLYN, NY -MIKEY LUCALI I'm in heaven Loving Mikey is back no more swearing I swear. I just had a PIZZA EXORCISM."
ONE 168: Denver will be available free to stream in Canada and the US with a Prime Video subscription.
