Mikey Musumeci, is one of the only non Brazilian IBJJF champions, he has taken a stance on PEDs that differs significantly from fellow grappling star Craig Jones. Despite their contrasting views, Musumeci refrains from criticizing Jones, and his reasons shed light on the complex dynamics within the sport.
Musumeci’s personal experiences have shaped his anti-PED stance. Growing up, he witnessed coaches who used ster*ds later develop serious health issues, including bipolar disorder. This exposure led him to believe that PED use is not only cheating but also potentially harmful in the long run. Musumeci has committed himself to achieving success through natural means and pure technique.
In contrast, Craig Jones has been open about his ster*ids oung athletes can have a proper gauge and don’t go crazy experimenting with unsafe dosages. While Musumeci acknowledges the performance-enhancing effects of PEDs, he maintains that the health risks and ethical concerns outweigh any potential advantages.
Despite this fundamental disagreement, Musumeci chooses not to blast Jones publicly. The primary reason for this restraint is Musumeci’s respect for Jones’ efforts to improve the sport’s financial landscape. Jones has been working to increase prize money and exposure through his new jiu-jitsu promotion, aiming to elevate the profile of top grapplers and enable them to make a better living as professional athletes.
“Craig is doing a great job at changing that…I respect him so much for that,” Musumeci has said in MMA hour appearance. “I wanted to do his event”. Musumeci was initially not allowed to take part in CJI but a deal appears to have been struck between ONE FC and CJI allowing for Musumeci to do a superfight.
Both Musumeci and Jones, as two of the highest-earning grapplers currently active, share a common desire to see the sport progress financially. Musumeci has praised Jones as “awesome” for his efforts to grow the sport’s revenue model, admiring his rebel spirit even while disagreeing on the PED issue.
