Mikey Musumeci, a jiu-jitsu advocate for clean sports, has joined the UFC to promote drug testing and compete for the inaugural bantamweight title at UFC BJJ 1, aiming to elevate the sport’s professionalism and appeal.
Grappling ace Mikey Musumeci has long championed a clean sport in the jiu-jitsu world. Now, with his signing to the UFC, he hopes to push that agenda even further.
Musumeci is set to compete for the inaugural bantamweight title at UFC BJJ 1. He’ll face off against rising star Rerisson Gabriel, with three titles up for grabs at the event.
For Musumeci, the commitment to a clean sport was a key reason for signing exclusively with the UFC. They’ve introduced drug-testing protocols, aligning with his vision for a steroid-free sport.
“That was one of the reasons I even went to UFC,” Musumeci shared with MMA Fighting. He emphasized the importance of being a natural athlete and his desire to professionalize the sport, likening it to the NFL and NBA.
“Sure, some will still cheat, but at least they’ll have to spend big bucks to do it,” he added. By 2026, with drug testing in place, he believes he’ll be even stronger in his matches.
UFC BJJ 1 marks the end of the promotion’s first season of UFC BJJ: Road to the Title, a reality show akin to The Ultimate Fighter.
They’ve introduced a new octagon design with a ramp-like structure to encourage action, alongside a fresh championship belt for the winners.
Musumeci feels confident in his decision to join this new UFC venture. “Man, it’s the most meaningful thing I could probably do in my life,” he reflected.
He collaborated with UFC leaders to revamp grappling, aiming to address issues like stalling and boring matches. The goal? Make it exciting and professional.
“It’s like the old, Royce Gracie days,” Musumeci mused. With UFC BJJ 1, it feels like the beginning of something big.