ONE 168: Denver preview and predictions - Mikey Musumeci vs. Bebeto Oliveira

Fans all over the world are saddened by the news that Kade Ruotolo will no longer be able to defend his lightweight submission grappling world title against Mikey Musumeci due to injury.

On the flip side, Musumeci will stay on the card having taken on a short notice bout with replacement opponent Bebeto Oliveira.

'Darth Rigatoni' will put his flyweight submission grappling world title on the line in the penultimate match of ONE 168: Denver this Friday, September 6, at 'The Mile High City's Ball Arena.

The Evolve MMA superstar's brilliance inside the circle has been well documented in his pristine 7-0 record in the world's largest martial arts organization.

While his opponent Oliveira may not possess the same lofty credentials, he'll enter this matchup with nothing to lose, making him even more dangerous.

As always, the Sportskeeda MMA's ONE Championship team has put on their thinking caps for this grappling showdown and shared their analysis.

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Vince Richards

Mikey Musumeci may not be facing Kade Ruotolo, but he’s fighting another grappler with as much pedigree as the ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion.

Oliveira has stepped up on short notice to challenge Musumeci for the ONE flyweight submission grappling world title, and I see his ONE Championship debut ending in a submission. That submission win, however, will go to Musumeci.

Make no mistake, Oliveira is a superb grappler and owns world titles in the IBJJF and IBJJF No-Gi. Musumeci, however, is on a mad streak of seven straight wins that I don’t see coming to an end in Denver.

‘Darth Rigatoni’ has looked more aggressive over the past few fights, and I expect him to lock in those trademark leg locks for the submission win.

Prediction: Mikey Musumeci by submission

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James De Rozario

I don't see this going any way other than another majestic win for ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci. The New Jersey native was handed a cruel last-minute switch due to Kade Ruotolo's injury, but his camp for the fellow ONE world champion should come in handy when he faces Oliveira.

Musumeci will be at his typical best, possibly pushing for action to secure top mount. From there, the Evolve MMA warrior would have his radar locked on any mistake the debuting Brazilian makes. Oliveira might be in fine form heading into this massive opportunity, but 'Darth Rigatoni's' world-class ground game isn't going to be in for any shock.

Based on their first encounter, which Mikey Musumeci won with his trademark ankle lock, I predict another easy win for the titleholder on fight night before he targets Kade Ruotolo again in his bid to become the organization's first two-division submission grappling kingpin.

Prediction: Mikey Musumeci via submission

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Ted Razon

Oliveira will be out for revenge considering he was submitted by Musumeci back in 2021. The Brazilian is indeed a scrappy foe who uses his lanky build to sink in his crafty armbars and triangle chokes.

But to do so, he must first pass Musumeci's vaunted guard, which is easier said than done.

It could be a quick night if Oliveira falls prey in one of the champion's many leg entanglement entries.

'Darth Rigatoni' is a menace once he gets hold of a leg, and I expect the challenger to frantically try to find a way out and give up his back in the process.

Quite frankly, Musumeci is just operating on a different stratosphere right now and we might just see another creative finish from him midway into the match.

Prediction: Mikey Musumeci via submission

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ONE 168: Denver is free for Prime Video subscribers in North America. Tickets for this blockbuster event are available via Ticketmaster.