Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom Mikey Musumeci has effectively closed the chapter on his participation in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship. In a recent Q&A session on his Instagram, Musumeci addressed questions about his future competition plans, revealing a shift in his priorities and career focus.
When asked if he would consider competing at the Worlds again to face new challengers, Musumeci’s response was clear: “Unfortunately there’s no money in the gi, and I already won everything I wanted to. I have no interest in the same medal again.” This statement underscores a growing concern in the professional grappling community regarding financial compensation for top-tier athletes.
Musumeci, who has previously expressed support for initiatives aimed at improving athlete pay in jiu-jitsu, such as Craig Jones’ Combat Jiu-Jitsu Invitational (CJI), seems to be prioritizing opportunities that offer better financial rewards. His stance aligns with a broader movement in the sport pushing for increased earning potential for competitors.
Despite stepping away from the IBJJF Worlds, Musumeci hasn’t lost his passion for the sport. He noted, “I must admit I have gotten significantly better in the gi only training nogi but unfortunately until there’s no motives for me at this time to come back home! Gi is definitely in my heart forever tho.”
This decision by Musumeci, a multiple-time world champion, highlights the evolving landscape of professional jiu-jitsu. IBJJF was famously the most prestigious yearly competition in all of jiu-jitsu even when they had no prizes attached to winners of black belt divisions. Actually – things were even worse considering that each of the athletes had to pay an IBJJF membership and a registration fee in hopes of securing an achievement. Nowadays IBJJF offers Black belt champions from rooster to ultra-heavyweight between $5,000 and $8,000, depending on their ranking points. Open class champions are awarded $15,000.
