"I had to take the hit for everyone" - Mikey Musumeci proud to be a pioneer in advocating better pay for grapplers

Reigning undisputed ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci is one of the first few BJJ athletes, who was vocal about how grapplers are paid so little compared to other combat sports fighters.

Musumeci recently had an interview with Cageside Press and discussed how he made his fellow grapplers realize the matter.

'Darth Rigatoni' pointed out:

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"I had to take the hit for everyone. But now everyone's catching on. They're like, yeah, that makes sense now, yeah. They get it now."

Among the organizations that stepped up their payouts for grapplers and submission artists is ONE Championship, which not only rewarded them with higher compensations but also gave everyone the platform to showcase their skills to the global audience.

Musumeci did not waste this massive opportunity to further champion the sport, as he won all seven of his submission grappling fights under the world's largest martial arts organization and eventually became the inaugural divisional king of the division.

Additionally, he secured multiple $50,000 bonuses from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong for his outstanding performances that saw him finish five of his opponents at a finish rate of 71%.

Mikey Musumeci moves up in weight to challenge Kade Ruotolo for his world title at ONE 168: Denver

After almost clearing the division's top challengers, the 28-year-old American BJJ savant is now ready for his toughest opponent yet, as he will challenge Kade Ruotolo for the ONE lightweight submission grappling world title in the main event of ONE 168: Denver, which will take place at the Ball Arena in Colorado on Sept. 6.

The Evolve MMA representative is looking to make history in front of American fans as the first athlete in ONE Championship to capture two championships in submission grappling.

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster.

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