Top BJJ competitor Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci is expecting an all-action affair on Friday, September 30.

At ONE on Prime Video 2, he’ll look to make history when he takes on longtime rival Cleber Sousa in a trilogy match for the inaugural ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Championship.

The two elite black belts have met before, going 1-1 against each other in a pair of close and competitive gi matches back in 2017. With that history between them, Musumeci is well aware of the grit and mental fortitude that Sousa brings to the table.

”He’s a tough guy, just a really tough, solid guy. Like, he’s one of those guys who’s really hard to do things to,” Musumeci said.

“It doesn’t matter what you’re doing to him – he’s just solid and tough. And he doesn’t give up, he pushes forward, he pushes the pace, he tries to break you mentally. He’s one of those types of matches. So, I just have to be in really good shape, mentally and physically, and push forward.”

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In their first encounter, Musumeci suffered a controversial loss by referee’s decision – an outcome that still doesn’t sit well. Indeed, that 2017 defeat was the last time the New Jersey native lost in his natural weight class.

Mikey Musumeci loves grappling under ONE Championship rules

But with the rubber match taking place under ONE’s submission-only rule set, “Darth Rigatoni” is confident that this contest will be determined strictly on aggression and legitimate submission attempts.

Known for his computer-like, analytical mind for jiu-jitsu, Musumeci is excited about the constant exchange of attacks that the ONE rule set will force. Because just like the U.S. primetime audience that will be tuning in, he’s hoping for – and expecting – a “pure battle.”

The grappling sensation added:
“Also, he’s going to be trying to finish me, I’m going to be trying to finish him, especially with these ONE rules, you know? It kind of takes away the biasness, with refs giving calls and things. So, I really love that,” the American grappling sensation added.

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“It’s just whoever has the most submissions, like real submissions win, right? So, it’s just a pure battle of two guys trying to kill each other with submissions. I feel like this format will bring out the best version of Cleber. And it should bring out the best version of me because it’s just pure attacking.”

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