In a recent Instagram Q&A session, BJJ phenom Mikey Musumeci opened up about several hot topics in the grappling world while revealing his next competitive appearance.
The multiple-time world champion confirmed he’ll be making his return to competition on May 29 under the UFC banner, responding to a fan question with a simple
“May 29 @ufc :)”
that hints at his continued partnership with the MMA promotion after signing an exclusive grappling deal.
Perhaps most intriguing was Musumeci’s strong stance on heel hooks in gi competition, a technically forbidden technique that continues to divide the jiu-jitsu community.
“People dislike what they fear,” Musumeci stated bluntly. “Of course heel hooks should be legal for black belts in the gi.”
Musumeci elaborated that allowing heel hooks would create consistency between rule sets, making it easier for athletes to transition between gi and no-gi competitions.
“People jumping from gi to nogi would be much easier if the rules were the same in both,” he explained.
The submission specialist also made a compelling business case for the change, arguing that heel hooks would
“increase submission percentage tremendously, helping viewership for the gi… meaning you can make money competing in the gi…. THEN I can compete in the gi again.”
This comment suggests Musumeci has been focusing on no-gi competition partly due to better financial opportunities.
When asked about getting in shape without weights, Musumeci praised jiu-jitsu as
“the hardest full body workout”
and called it a
“hack” because practitioners don’t feel like they’re going to the gym but end up working “literally every muscle in your body EXCEPT calves.”
He humorously added that he still has
“no calves after 24 years of Jiu Jitsu.”
While details remain scarce about Musumeci’s upcoming UFC appearance, his May 29 return will be closely watched by the grappling community, especially given rumors of his potential involvement in a BJJ reality series being developed by the promotion.
