“There are two different fighting styles” - Gabriel Sousa lists what separates him from ONE world champion Mikey Musumeci
Gabriel Sousa highlights the differing styles that he and upcoming opponent Mikey Musumeci have, which is why, he said, a match-up between them is all the more interesting.
The two top BJJ aces will battle in a bantamweight submission grappling duel at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut on June 7 in Bangkok, Thailand.
It is part of the stacked event set to go down at the Impact Arena and air live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
The clash is a rematch of their BJJ clash nearly three years ago outside of ONE Championship, where Brazilian Sousa got the better of 'Darth Rigatoni' by way of submission.
Speaking to ONE Championship, the Fortaleza native shared his thoughts on what separates him and Musumeci as fighters and why their upcoming clash is a must-see fare.
The 27-year-old Sousa said:
"I have another fighting style. I like takedowns and I like passing guards. Mikey, on the other hand, likes to play guard and take the back or attack footlocks. There are two different fighting styles."
Heading into his promotional debut, Sousa has won his last four fights.
Meanwhile, in trying to redeem himself from the loss he absorbed to Sousa in their first encounter, ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Musumeci will be going up a weight division higher.
Gabriel Sousa out to continue having the better of Mikey Musumeci at ONE 167
BJJ black belt Gabriel Sousa is looking to make it two victories in as many matches over Mikey Musumeci when they reengage at ONE 167 on June 7 in Bangkok, Thailand. He believes he has what it takes to make it happen.
The ZR Team standout collides with 'Darth Rigatoni' at ONE 167 in a rematch of their first encounter in September 2021, where Sousa won by submission.
While Musumeci has since bounced back well from the loss, winning nine straight, the last six under ONE, and winning the ONE flyweight submission grappling world title a long way, Sousa said he, too, has progressed well and has become an even better fighter.
Sousa is out to showcase that at ONE 167 and win once again. In an interview with ONE Championship, he said:
"But I also worked a lot on guard passing. I think I'm a more complete athlete today than I was in 2021, so I think that will count for a lot."
Sousa is a decorated BJJ fighter with an overall record of 126 wins and 37 losses.