Five-time world champion Mikey Musumeci has revealed that his contract with the UFC’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu division is set to expire, with a crucial meeting scheduled to determine his future with the organization.
The grappling phenom made the announcement during an appearance on Jake Shields’ Fight Back Podcast, where he discussed the current state of his career and what lies ahead.
“My contract’s up and I’m meeting with them actually Monday,” Musumeci disclosed, explaining that his original agreement predated the establishment of UFC BJJ championship belts.
Notably, his contract lacks the championship clause that typically binds titleholders to extended terms, giving him greater negotiating flexibility as he enters discussions with the promotion.
The 29-year-old competitor, who currently holds 1.2 million Instagram followers and generates approximately 80 million monthly views on his content, emphasized his role in elevating the sport’s financial landscape.
“Right now I’m looking at getting seven figures a year like I’m at that path now,” Musumeci stated, highlighting the unprecedented earning potential he’s helping create for jiu-jitsu athletes.
Musumeci credited fellow competitors Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones for pioneering higher compensation standards in the sport. “My whole goal right now is just to step up the last generation,” he explained.
“Gordon was like the godfather of getting people more money.” With both Ryan and Jones stepping back from active competition, Musumeci sees himself as carrying the torch forward to secure better opportunities for the next generation of grapplers.
The champion’s current success comes after overcoming significant health challenges. Musumeci revealed he spent nearly a year dealing with three stomach ulcers and various joint injuries from overtraining during an extended competition camp.
“Every part of my body was breaking down,” he recalled, noting that his most recent match was the first time he felt fully healthy in over a year, which resulted in a dominant, quick finish.
Looking ahead, the UFC has ambitious plans for the BJJ division, with Musumeci mentioning they’re targeting ten events next year with international travel opportunities. While he expressed excitement about these developments, he remained measured about his future. “We’ll see how that meeting goes. I don’t really know. We’ll find out,” he said.
Musumeci also addressed his long-term aspirations, including a potential matchup with fellow ONE Championship athlete “Baby Shark” and the possibility of eventually transitioning to MMA competition. However, he emphasized that jiu-jitsu remains his primary focus for the foreseeable future.
