"Like a master to student" - Mikey Musumeci shared his love for Japanese legend Shinya Aoki after submission grappling duel

ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci is widely viewed as one of the greatest BJJ athletes of his generation. He proved it by submitting former ONE lightweight MMA world champion Shinya Aoki with his own move in October 2023.

'Darth Rigatoni' gave his undying respect to 'Tobikan Judan' in the post-fight interview, which ONE recently shared on Instagram.

Watch the video below:

Mikey Musumeci said:

"The position I hit is called an Aoki Lock. It's a modified heel hook. But I learned this position from Shinya Aoki. It's his submission that he invented. When I think of a master of jiu-jitsu, it's somebody that inspires another generation. They're doing the positions that you created."

He continued:

"Shinya deserves so much credit. I did his move on him. That's like a master to student. I was such a big fan of Shinya growing up. Now, I'm doing his position on him. He's an idol of mine for being 40 years old and still competing, challenging himself, that's a champion."

After submitting rival Gabriel Sousa this past June, the Cobrinha BJJ and Evolve MMA product will challenge Kade Ruotolo for the ONE lightweight submission grappling world championship at ONE 168: Denver on September 6 inside the Ball Arena.

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ONE interim MMA world champ expects barnburner between Kade Ruotolo, Mikey Musumeci

Newly crowned ONE interim strawweight MMA world champion Jarred Brooks is just as excited as the fans to see Kade Ruotolo and Mikey Musumeci showcase their BJJ skills at ONE 168 on September 6 inside the Ball Arena.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA, 'The Monkey God' bared his thoughts about the upcoming ONE lightweight submission grappling world championship clash.

Brooks said:

"This is a huge matchup for any jiu-jitsu practitioner. I don't have a prediction, but I know both of them are going to do equally well."

Tickets for ONE 168 are available via Ticketmaster.