Mikey Musumeci signed with the UFC to professionalize Brazilian jiu-jitsu, aiming to clean up the sport by eliminating performance-enhancing drugs and establishing ethical standards, while also expressing hopes for future drug testing and structured competition akin to MMA.
Mikey Musumeci had a compelling reason to ink an exclusive deal with the UFC—he wanted grappling to be treated as a professional sport. After years with ONE Championship, his first UFC match is set for Thursday night in Las Vegas. The 28-year-old from New Jersey sees this as a chance to lead sweeping changes in the grappling world, starting with cleaning up the sport.
“I feel like what I’m doing right now is definitely the most important thing for grappling,” Musumeci shared at UFC 310 media day. He believes jiu-jitsu currently lacks stability and ethics. With the UFC’s platform, he hopes to transform it into a professional sport.
Musumeci is particularly concerned about performance-enhancing drug use in jiu-jitsu. “They’re not athletes,” he lamented, pointing out that many lack martial artist values. His goal? To elevate jiu-jitsu to professional standards through UFC’s influence.
Though he refrained from naming names, Musumeci hinted at widespread cheating in the community. When asked who else should join the UFC roster, his response was blunt: “People not on steroids.” He estimates that 99% of practitioners are using them.
He’s not alone in these accusations; others have also pointed fingers at competitors. But Musumeci is hopeful that the UFC’s investment will bring change. This belief was a major factor in his decision to sign with them.
“The UFC wants to make this professional,” Musumeci said with enthusiasm. He appreciates their efforts to transition jiu-jitsu from its “barbaric amateur phase” to professionalism. The journey is just beginning for him.
Long-term, Musumeci has personal goals, including a possible shift to MMA. However, he has plenty left to accomplish in jiu-jitsu first. Signing with the UFC was merely step one.
“I need to first grow us and UFC to the point where we are professional athletes,” he explained. For him, that means belts, drug testing, and stability akin to MMA fighters. He envisions a future where young athletes don’t turn to steroids early on.
Ultimately, Musumeci seeks fulfillment by initiating these changes and ensuring future generations embrace clean competition.