Mikey Musumeci, a grappling phenom and multiple-time world champion, has made waves by openly criticizing the use of PEDs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Speaking candidly at the UFC 311 press conference, Musumeci didn’t hold back, calling out PED users for dragging the sport into what he labeled its “barbaric amateur phase.”
PEDs in BJJ: “99% of Jiu-Jitsu Is on Ster*ids”
Musumeci was clear about his disdain for the rampant use of steroids within BJJ. “99% of Jiu-Jitsu is on ster*ids,” he asserted, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change. He expressed optimism that, under the UFC’s professional framework, proper testing could finally take root in the sport. “We need dr*g testing,” Musumeci declared, explaining that this would introduce a Darwinian shift where athletes would have to “adapt or die” by competing clean.
Recounting his own experiences, Musumeci described competing against enhanced athletes, noting their almost inhuman physicality. “They feel like a rock,” he said. Yet, despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his clean approach, drawing inspiration from wrestling legend Dan Gable. “I never cheated, took a shortcut, so I have a stronger mind than all those people. I knew that if I use my mind against theirs, my mind is always going to be stronger than theirs.”
“Barbaric Amateur Phase” and UFC’s Vision
Musumeci envisions a brighter future for BJJ, one that moves beyond its disorganized past. “There’s a lot of horrible ethics, morals,” he remarked. “I hope now that with UFC, we could change that and we can make it a professional sport.” He called for implementing a structured belt system and ethical standards, noting that such measures are vital for transforming BJJ into a true professional sport.
The UFC’s involvement, according to Musumeci, represents a turning point. By aligning with a global organization committed to governance and athlete welfare, BJJ can finally shed its amateur image. “I feel that God gave me this gift and path of jiu-jitsu, and I need to first grow us in UFC to the point where we are professional athletes,” he explained.
Criticism of BJJ Figures and PED Culture
Musumeci didn’t limit his critique to PED use alone; he also called out prominent grapplers like Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones. While acknowledging their contributions to the sport’s popularity, Musumeci questioned their adherence to martial arts values. “Other people like Gordon, Craig, they definitely help the sport grow in different ways,” he admitted. “But they’re not athletes. They really don’t have the values of martial artists.”
His bold statements highlighted a broader cultural issue in BJJ, where PED use and questionable ethics are often normalized. “Jiu-jitsu, with people just talking about like they blatantly use PEDs, it’s not professional,” he said.
Challenges with Fellow Grapplers
Musumeci’s outspoken nature hasn’t been without consequence. He candidly shared his frustrations over a canceled match with lightweight star Kade Ruotolo. “I was really pissed off that it didn’t happen,” he admitted. Musumeci had spent a year preparing for the bout, only for Ruotolo to withdraw shortly after competing in the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI). “I thought it was really unfair of him for accepting the match a month before CJI, considering how tough of a tournament that was for him,” Musumeci explained.
Despite the disappointment, Musumeci remained gracious, expressing a desire to eventually face Ruotolo. “It’d be an honor to grapple with the best lightweight in the world,” he said. “I’m always looking to challenge myself and push myself.”
Future Aspirations: MMA and Beyond
Musumeci hinted at the possibility of transitioning to MMA, a move that would further solidify his legacy as a versatile combat athlete. “I definitely have interest in doing MMA,” he revealed, citing his background in Muay Thai. However, his immediate focus remains on elevating professional grappling. “I need to first grow us in UFC to the point where we are professional athletes,” he emphasized.
A Bold Voice for Change
Mikey Musumeci’s comments reflect his deep commitment to transforming Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into a legitimate professional sport. His stance against PEDs, call for ethical reform, and vision for a structured, clean competition framework showcase his desire to leave a lasting impact. While his outspoken nature may draw criticism, Musumeci remains undeterred, seeing his role as a responsibility handed down by a higher purpose: “I see bad, and do I stay quiet just to have more friends, or do I speak up, have more enemies, more people hating me, but I can make a difference?” For Musumeci, the answer is clear.
