"It made me reach another level" - Mikey Musumeci credits Chatri Sityodtong for helping him unlock his true potential

ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci shared how he was inspired to chase greatness by Chatri Sityodtong. While 'Darth Rigatoni' has already established himself as a certified star in the BJJ circuit, he truly blossomed into a global megastar when he took his talents to the world's largest martial arts organization.

His pristine 7-0 run, including three title defenses, has indeed solidified his status as one of the best grapplers in the world, pound for pound.

Mikey Musumeci, however, admits he cannot take all the credit. According to the 28-year-old BJJ maestro, it was ONE Chairman and CEO Sityodtong's guidance that allowed him to reach unprecedented heights.

The Evolve MMA superstar told the Cageside Press in a recent interview:

"My mentor, Chatri, who's the boss of ONE, I remember he put that in my mind. He always puts a lot of pressure on me to grow as a person. So he really made me believe that, and it made me [reach] another level."

Watch Mikey Musumeci's full interview:

Musumeci could further push his limits this coming Sept. 6 at ONE 168: Denver.

The 135-pound submission grappling king will move up several weight classes to challenge lightweight kingpin and one of the most technically dynamic athletes on the planet, Kade Ruotolo, in ONE's U.S. return at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

Kade Ruotolo ready for 'the biggest super fight in BJJ history' against Mikey Musumeci

Fresh from his historic win in the Craig Jones Invitational's (CJI) under -80kg bracket, Kade Ruotolo is eager to take on arguably one of the hottest names in grappling right now.

While Mikey Musumeci will be at a weight disadvantage in this match-up, Ruotolo knows it will be unwise to count him out.

Plus, the Atos standout understands the magnitude of this dream match-up. The youngest ADCC world champion told ONE:

"People were calling it one of the biggest super fights in jiu-jitsu history. I was kinda surprised to hear that, but I was like, 'Wow, that's really cool to hear.'"

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster.