Mikey Musumeci says linking up with Rodtang despite language barrier shows the beauty of martial arts: "It brings us all together"
Martial arts bring people together. ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci certainly believes so. The Evolve MMA representative has formed close bonds with some of the organization's most talented warriors. Still, none comes close to the special friendship he shares with fellow ONE world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Arguably the best in their class by a mile, 'Darth Rigatoni' and Rodtang have shared plenty of moments from competing on ONE Championship's debut card in North America, sharing meals, and even spending time at the latter's home whenever the submission grappling kingpin competes in Bangkok, Thailand.
While they do enjoy their leisure time, the pair also help each other in their respective fields. Rodtang held the pads and gave the American star a full rundown of Muay Thai, and Musumeci replied the favor to the Jitmuangnon Gym man in his area of expertise.
Despite the language barrier that they have, in Mikey Musumeci's eyes, his being able to train with Rodtang just goes on to show why unity is always a mainstay within the martial arts realm.
The 28-year-old told Cageside Press recently:
"We get along really well. And it's so cool because we are [from] different martial arts right? He's Muay Thai, and I'm jiu-jitsu, but it just shows how it brings us all together in martial arts."
He added:
"People from different parts of the world don't speak the same language, but we're able to be so connected and close just from the combination of martial arts. So I think that's the beautiful thing about it."
Watch the full interview here:
When are Mikey Musumeci and Rodtang back in action next?
Mikey Musumeci and Rodtang Jitmuangnon are due for a return on the promotion's second and third on-ground spectacle in the U.S. in a matter of months.
The ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion attempts to become the promotion's first double champ in the discipline when he faces lightweight kingpin Kade Ruotolo at ONE 168: Denver, which emanates live from Ball Arena on Sept. 6.
Both are arguably the best grappling wizards today, and fans can expect an electric performance filled with constant submissions and positional switches.
Meanwhile, Rodtang puts his ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title on the line in a rematch against British slugger Jacob Smith at ONE 169: Atlanta inside State Farm Arena on Nov. 8. The Thai megastar bagged a unanimous decision over the latter at ONE 157 in May 2022.