“It’s just an epic moment for jiu-jitsu” - Mikey Musumeci on highly anticipated showdown with Kade Ruotolo

Reigning and undisputed ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion 'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci of the United States is coming off an emphatic submission victory over longtime rival Gabriel Sousa of Brazil at last weekend's ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video.

The 27-year-old grappling maestro took care of business in quick and impressively easy fashion against the former IBJJF world champion, tapping out Sousa inside the distance.

'Darth Rigatoni' is set to return to action later this year against reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo. The two lock horns at ONE 168: Denver, which takes place live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday, September 6th.

After the fight, Musumeci had a word with veteran ONE Championship broadcast analyst Mitch 'The Dragon' Chilson regarding the upcoming showdown.

'Darth Rigatoni' stated:

"To be entirely honest, no. I think it’s just an epic moment for jiu-jitsu. I think the super special thing about it is that two natural athletes competing at the highest level. At the highest levels, it’s been really difficult to see that and keeping it steroid-free at the highest level of technique colliding, it’s gonna be an amazing fight and I’m looking forward to it."

Needless to say, it's definitely one for the ages and a match fans of submission grappling should not miss.

If you missed the action at ONE 167, fans in the United States and Canada can catch everything via replay on-demand on Amazon Prime Video.

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Mikey Musumeci will focus on strength in Kade Ruotolo showdown: "It’s not about putting on weight"

'Darth Rigatoni' Mikey Musumeci is the latest man to attempt becoming a two-division world champion, but he will have to take on lightweight phenom Kade Ruotolo to achieve his goal.

Speaking at the official ONE 167 press conference, Musumeci said he plans on focusing on strength ahead of the match against the 21-year-old lightweight titleholder.

'Darth Rigatoni' said:

"Yeah, for me it’s not about putting on weight, it’s about just feeling as strong as I could be, right? I’m afraid if I get too heavy, I’ll lose cardio and gas out in the first minute especially because Kade has like the best cardio. So, one minute I’ll be like “Huh huh” (imitates heavy breathing) and then I’m screwed."

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates on Mikey Musumeci's next fight.