"He's looked really sharp" - Gabriel Sousa in awe of Mikey Musumeci's perfect run in ONE Championship
Despite their previous encounter, Gabriel Sousa isn't overlooking his next opponent based on what happened in the past. The Brazilian submission grappler is set to make his debut in a bantamweight submission grappling tie at ONE 167 as part of a stacked card that is heading to the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
There aren't many wins that demand more respect in the grappling world than being one of the few men who can say they've not only beaten but submitted Mikey Musumeci.
The two men met three years ago when Sousa was able to get the tap in the 11th minute of their 15-minute contest.
Regardless of his prior success against the ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion, Gabriel Sousa knows that he still faces a very tough task. The Brazilian has watched as his former foe has dominated opponents in ONE Championship and put them away with ruthless efficiency.
In a recent interview with El Estudio De Leo, he spoke about how Musumeci is on a real tear in the promotion and can't be underestimated:
"We've been watching what he's been doing. I think he probably has like six matches already in ONE Championship and most of his wins have come from entanglements. And from there, he gets the legs. He's looked really sharp in his fights here."
Watch the full interview below:
Gabriel Sousa is especially cautious of one specific attack
As he mentioned in the interview, Gabriel Sousa has noticed a common theme in some of Mikey Musumeci's performances under the ONE Championship banner.
The leg control and attack from 'Darth Rigatoni' is one of his very best attributes, and he has used it incredibly effectively during his time in the promotion.
So much so that at one point, he had to tell himself to stop looking for it so much so that he could take advantage of other submission opportunities and positions when they arrive.
Sousa got the win the last time that they met, but he knows for sure that Musumeci will be just as dangerous as last time.
ONE 167 will air live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 7. Active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America can catch the entire card live in U.S. primetime for free.