Mikey Musumeci is looking ready and locked in for his upcoming champion-versus-champion clash with Kade Ruotolo on September 6 at ONE 168: Denver inside the Ball Arena in Colorado.
Musumeci will move two divisions up to challenge Ruotolo for his ONE lightweight submission grappling world title. Ahead of this exciting match, ONE Championship posted the progression of the upcoming challenger's bulking up, and they captioned it on Instagram:
""Darth Rigatoni" is on a mission 💪 Can Mikey Musumeci become a two-division king when he challenges Kade Ruotolo for the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title at ONE 168: Denver? @mikeymusumeci"
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The post featured the incredible transformation of Darth Rigatoni's physique in just four months of preparation, from February to May of this year. He seemed more relaxed and satisfied with his current form.
This transformation of the ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion has received positive messages from fans, as users @chris.ajh, @brandonsupersaiyan, @fatboyfreight.train, @forkqtwo, and @theadriantm commented:
"What has this boy been eating god damn 😂"
"Such a specimen. Always looking to better himself! 👏👏"
"This guy could very well be the baddest man on the planet right now. We'll see!"
"Incredible work of heart and Dedication."
"Pizzatron."
Mikey Musumeci wants to make history at ONE 168: Denver as the first submission grappling double champion
The 28-year-old Evolve MMA representative has the opportunity to extend his unbeaten streak under the world's largest martial arts organization to eight successive wins and has a shot at history.
A win for Musumeci over Ruotolo will make him the first athlete in the ONE banner to become a two-division submission grappling world champion and be part of the exclusive two-division world champions club.
ONE 168: Denver will transpire from the Ball Arena in U.S. primetime on Sept. 6. Tickets for the event are available on Ticketmaster.