“I would just like to announce my match May 29 against Geo Martinez has been canceled,” Musumeci revealed in an Instagram post. “This same week of the match I am doing another huge project with UFC that I am incredibly excited to share and announce with you guys super super soon, but it benched our match from happening this week!”
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom expressed disappointment about the cancellation while reassuring fans that the contest with Martinez has only been postponed, not permanently scrapped.
“I already gave Geo my word that we can do the match later in the year!!!” Musumeci promised.
While details about the specific UFC project remain undisclosed, industry insiders have been connecting dots between Musumeci‘s withdrawal and UFC President Dana White‘s recent announcement of a substantial $10–12 million investment in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over the next year.
This development aligns with previous statements from White about the UFC’s plans to launch a BJJ reality show. Speaking at the 2024 SBJ Media Innovators conference, White confirmed the organization is “literally launching a reality show and then gonna start putting on shows” in the BJJ space.
Adding fuel to the speculation, fellow grappler Kade Ruotolo recently mentioned in an interview that “Mikey Musumeci and Gordon Ryan are possibly going to do some sort of like Ultimate Fighter type things for Jiu-Jitsu.”
Musumeci himself has hinted at his involvement in UFC’s broader vision for the sport.
“Moving to the UFC I had a goal of helping our sport grow so we can make it actually a professional sport!! We’re on the right path!! We’re changing grappling folks! :)”
Despite describing his competitive year as off to a slow start, Musumeci reassured fans that exciting developments are imminent, adding,
“Wait until you guys see what we’re working on; I will be back competing VERY soon.”
The pairing of Musumeci with Gordon Ryan would be particularly noteworthy given their ongoing rivalry and contrasting perspectives on PED use in the sport. Musumeci has been a vocal advocate for stricter testing protocols, while Ryan has taken a more permissive stance.
