“It was the place I thrived” - Mikey Musumeci found solace from bullying on the mats while learning BJJ

Reigning and undisputed ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion 'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci of the United States was an introvert and a self-confessed 'nerd' growing up.

Like many, the Italian-American star was awkward, and had difficulty fitting in. But it was when he discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu that 'Darth Rigatoni' finally found somewhere he truly belonged.

In a recent guest appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Musumeci recounted what it felt like rolling on the mats as a young kid learning how to grapple.

'Darth Rigatoni' stated:

"When I'm there, it's just logic, like, who's better than who? And there's no talking. So I felt like it was the place I thrived and excelled in the most because I was just free. I didn't have to show anyone, I didn't have to act anyway. I could just fuck these people up, and that's why I have this rebel part of me that I feel like I wasn't able to show for a long time, and now I feel like it's coming out of me more and more."

Musumeci continued:

"I feel like I have such a good circle of people around me now that I could just be my authentic self. I don't really care who likes me or not. And I'm just going to keep it real."

'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci guns for two-division glory against Kade Ruotolo at ONE 168: Denver

Flyweight submission grappling king 'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci will go up three weight classes to challenge ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo for the gold.

The two elite grapplers lock horns at ONE 168: Denver, which broadcasts live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday, September 6th.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video.

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