In a surprising development, submission grappling star Mikey Musumeci has announced his departure from ONE Championship and his decision to leave Asia, marking the end of a transformative three-year chapter in his career.
Musumeci, who made history as ONE Championship’s first submission grappling world champion, shared the news through a heartfelt social media post. The announcement comes shortly after a concerning incident at ONE 168: Denver, where he was forced to withdraw due to a potentially life-threatening lung condition following a failed weight cut.
The American grappling phenom’s departure follows a dramatic sequence of events in Denver. Initially scheduled to challenge Kade Ruotolo for the lightweight submission grappling world championship, Musumeci faced multiple challenges when Ruotolo withdrew due to injury. A subsequent agreement to defend his flyweight title against Carlos “Bebeto” Oliveira led to complications during the weight cut, ultimately resulting in his hospitalization with pneumomediastinum, a serious condition where air enters the chest cavity.
Reflecting on his tenure with ONE Championship, Musumeci credited CEO Chatri Sityodtong for providing him with unprecedented opportunities to grow the sport of jiu-jitsu. Their initial 10-minute meeting in Singapore unexpectedly evolved into a four-hour conversation, leading to Musumeci’s decision to relocate to Asia—his first time living away from his family in the United States.
“These past three years I have had some of the best memories and lessons of my life,” Musumeci shared. “I met so many incredible people in Singapore @evolvemma and in Thailand @arete_bjj and these people i will consider to be friends and family for life.”
The timing of Musumeci’s departure appears influenced by both personal considerations and recent health concerns. His decision to return permanently to the United States prioritizes family proximity while opening a new chapter in his competition career.
While this marks the end of Musumeci’s relationship with ONE Championship, his impact on the organization and the sport of submission grappling remains significant.
“I will forever be full of gratitude to him,” Musumeci said of Sityodtong. “Asia will always be my second home.”
The announcement signals a significant shift in the submission grappling landscape, as one of the sport’s most prominent lightweight athletes begins a new phase of his career back in the United States.
