"We are two very high-level athletes" - Gabriel Sousa says he operates at a "similar level" as ONE champ Mikey Musumeci

Gabriel Sousa believes he and Mikey Musumeci are on a "very similar level" skill-wise.

The Brazilian BJJ standout will have the opportunity to prove it on martial arts' biggest stage when he makes his ONE Championship debut on Friday, June 7 at ONE 167. There, Sousa will once again step on the mat with Musumeci, three years removed from his stunning submission victory over 'Darth Rigatoni' via a north-south choke under the Who's Number One banner.

Speaking with ONE Championship ahead of his highly anticipated promotional debut, Sousa suggested that he and Musumeci are both similarly skilled athletes, making their long-awaited rematch especially intriguing.

"If I could choose an outcome, of course, I would like to submit him on his back," Sousa said. "Pass his guard and submit him on the back. But, again, we are two very high-level athletes. A very similar level. Let's see how it goes this time."

Since his win over Musumeci, Sousa has competed more than 40 times, giving him a significant advantage when it comes to sheer competitive experience.

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Mikey Musumeci has his sights set on another history-making moment after his scrap with Gabriel Sousa

Since his loss to Gabriel Sousa, Mikey Musumeci has become one of the most well-known grapplers on the planet. Making his promotional debut in April 2022, 'Darth Rigatoni' earned a noteworthy victory over Masakazu Imanari en route to becoming the promotion's first-ever submission grappling world champion, claiming the inaugural flyweight title with a unanimous decision win over Cleber Sousa.

He's since added four more wins to his resume, going 6-0 in ONE overall.

Once he settles some long overdue business with Sousa, Musumeci will turn his attention toward making history once again. On Friday, Sept. 6, he will step back inside the Circle to challenge reigning and defending ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo.

If Musumeci is successful, he will become the promotion's first-ever two-division grappling titleholder.

ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 167 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime on Friday, June 7.

And make sure to follow this link for tickets for ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 at Ball Arena.