“Adding new skills to my game” - Mikey Musumeci continues to improve under BJJ legend ‘Cobrinha’ ahead of ONE 168
Mikey Musumeci is often regarded as one of the best submission grapplers of this generation, and much of that recent success is thanks to no small part to one of the greatest Brazilian jiu-jitsu masters.
The reigning ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion has been training under 12-time BJJ world champion Rubens 'Cobrinha' Charles for almost four months, and the pair have been ramping up the training camp ahead of Musumeci's next super fight.
Musumeci will challenge Kade Ruotolo for the ONE lightweight submission grappling world title at ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena.
'Darth Rigatoni' wrote on his Instagram Stories that he's been learning new techniques under Charles' guidance, which he'll potentially use against Ruotolo in their Denver super fight.
"An incredible day of learning from my teacher @cobrinhacharles. He is always adding new skills to my game ❤️🙇♂️😭," he wrote.
Mikey Musumeci recently linked up with Charles when he started his preparation for his grudge match against old nemesis Gabriel Sousa at ONE 167 this past June.
Charles was also the one who promoted Musumeci to his third-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
A literal wizard in terms of breaking joints and constricting windpipes, Musumeci holds a perfect 7-0 record in ONE Championship with five submission wins under his name.
His fight against Ruotolo, however, could be the most difficult of his career.
Ruotolo also holds a 7-0 record in ONE Championship, and one of those wins came under MMA rules when he submitted American brawler Blake Cooper at ONE 167.
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available at Ticketmaster.
Mikey Musumeci shares his attitude to breaking through career barriers
Mikey Musumeci might be the perfect proponent of the gentle martial art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but his bright exterior hides a dogged mentality that fueled his run to the top of the sport.
In a recent Q&A with fans on his Instagram Stories, Musumeci shared how his unyielding attitude made him one of the best submission grapplers in history.
He wrote:
"I just had such passion and desire to keep improving and getting better and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. With that, the results kept coming as an indirect result."