BJJ

Mikey Musumeci – First American To Win Multiple BJJ World Titles

Mikey Musumeci – First American To Win Multiple BJJ World Titles

1. Mikey Musumeci’s Details

Mikey Musumeci’s Details
Name Michael Musumeci Jr.
Nickname Mikey (Short form of Michael)
Date of Birth July 7, 1996
Age 26
Born Marlboro, New Jersey, U.S.A
Nationality American
Height 170 cm (5.577 ft)
Weight 64.2 kg
Reach 166 cm
Fight Record 58 – 5 (W – L)
Division Featherweight / Roosterweight
Gi Weight Classes Under 64 kg (141 lbs)
No-Gi Weight Classes Under 61.5 kg (136 lbs)
Rank Black Belt in BJJ
Awarded By Gilbert Burns
Lineage 1 Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Carlson Gracie -> Andre Pederneiras -> Rafael Fofitio -> Gilbert Burns -> Michael Musumeci
Lineage 2 Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Carlson Gracie ->Andre Pederneiras -> Joao Roque -> Jonatas Gurgel -> Michael Musumeci
Favorite Position/Technique Berimbolo
Foundation Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Team/Association Caio Terra Association
Pedigo Submission Fighting
Art of Jiu-Jitsu/ Atos Jiu-Jitsu

2. Mikey Musumeci’s Biography

Mikey Musumeci is the first and youngest American to win multiple BJJ World Championship titles. This pro-record-holder has earned the IBJJF World Championship Title four times as a black belt. Winning two of them in the featherweight division and the other two in the rooster weight division.

Musumeci was born to be a BJJ practitioner. Usually, people try their hands at different martial arts, but he only worked on BJJ from the very beginning. Musumeci’s eagerness to win is evident when he is on the mat. His techniques are famous in the world of BJJ and show that he settles for nothing less than victory. Musumeci is definitely one of the best grapplers in the modern BJJ world.

2.1. Mikey Musumeci’s Early Life

Musumeci has knowledge of many BJJ techniques, showing his raw talent for BJJ. However, he has done a lot of hard work to earn his place in the list of notable BJJ professors and legends at such a young age. This young champion was born in Marlboro, New Jersey, USA on July 7, 1996.

When you are optimistic, passionate, and have dreams, you do not waste time thinking about how to do it. In fact, you start working on it without making excuses. Musumeci started training and learning BJJ when he was just four years old.

Mikey Musumeci’s Early Life

Photo credit: @facebook

2.2. Mikey Musumeci’s Journey to BJJ Career

Mikey Musumeci’s First Trainer – Fernando Cabeça

Under the supervision of Fernando Cabeça, Musumeci became a highly trained young grappler at Fatijo’s Martial Arts Training Center. As Musumeci’s primary focus was to become the world’s best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete, he utilized all that time and effort to learn new BJJ skills.

Mikey Musumeci’s Second Trainer – Marcelo Ribeiro

When Musumeci was 10 years old, the family had to move to Wellington, Florida. He found his new coach, Marcelo Ribeiro, to further train him in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Musumeci could not continue the training further as Ribeiro decided to move to Texas.

Mikey Musumeci’s Third Trainer – Emyr “Shark” Bussade

Though it was difficult moving from one place to another, Mikey did not lose interest in BJJ. At last, he received tutelage from a new coach, Emyr “Shark” Bussade. Finally, Mikey earned the green belt, and subsequently the blue belt while training at Bussade’s academy.

In the initial phase of Musmeci’s career as a juvenile blue belt, he won various IBJJF tournaments. Finally, with his training from Bussade’s academy, Musumeci managed to win the IBJJF World Title.

Mikey Musumeci’s Relationship With Mendes Brothers

Musumeci’s passion peaked while he was training at Bussade’s academy. He used to attend different seminars focusing on BJJ training. Through the seminars, Musumeci got the chance to meet the Mendes brothers and managed to build a strong relationship with the pair. He does not hesitate to visit their gym every now and then, receiving tips from Mendes brothers as he continues to learn more about BJJ.

Mikey Musumeci’s Further Training At Javill Byron’s Gym

The relocation of Mikey’s family continued further south to Miami. Musumeci started his training under Javill Byron and received the purple belt from Byron.

Mikey Returning to Boca Raton, Florida

At this point of his career, where Musumeci was excelling as a BJJ champion, his family again had to relocate to Boca Raton, Florida. He reunited with and continued his training under Bussade. He also received training at ATT Aventura from another coach, Jonatas Gurgel.

As Mikey Musumeci had gained much experience and become a master of BJJ, he started working as a coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center. Musumeci’s sister, Tammi, also joined him as she was beginning to make a big name for herself in the world of BJJ. The Musumeci siblings also got to meet Gilbert Burns as their training partner.

Mikey Musumeci Winning The Brown Belt

Musumeci maintained his relationship with the Mendes brothers throughout his family’s constant relocations. Mikey frequently visits their training center, Art of Jiu-Jitsu. Due to the Mendes brothers' efforts, Mikey finally received the brown belt from Guilherme Mendes. This took place shortly after Mikey won the 2014 World Title as a purple belt.

Mikey Musumeci Winning His Black Belt

Musumeci’s success continued to rise as his win count increased with time. Throughout Musumeci’s career, he never got demotivated due to having to move around different places and receiving training from various masters. Also, Musumeci respects every trainer he works with and makes sure to stay in contact no matter what.

Musumeci maintained regular visits to AJ Sousa’s Gym. In the same year, he secured yet another victory at the World Championship event in 2015. Given to him by both Gilbert Burns and Jonatas Gurgel, Musumeci earned his black belt at the age of 18.

Mikey Musumeci’s Journey as a Black Belt

Musumeci continued his journey as a BJJ champion during his first year as a black belt.

His winning streak continued as Musumeci entered every BJJ tournament he could. At the American Nationals, he defeated Joao Miyao, one of the best BJJ athletes and competitors of his generation.

Musumeci, however, didn’t manage to win the 2016 World Championship. He lost the match fighting against Isaac Doederlein.

Mikey Musumeci Then Became A Student Of Caio Terra

Musumeci was not happy with his current training regiment and decided to change the academy. Eventually, he picked Caio Terra to be his new instructor. Caio Terra is considered among the world’s best BJJ grapplers in BJJ arts.

Musumeci trained hard and learned several new techniques which helped him win several competitions in a row. In 2017, Musumeci won the IBJJF European Championship and the Abu Dhabi World Pro Championship. He won the IBJJF World Championship, securing his first world title as a black belt.

Mikey Musumeci Making World Record and History

Musumeci continued winning in the year 2018 as well. His dominance was observed in all his matches. In the 2018 World Championship, Musumeci won against all his competitors. His name was immortalized in BJJ history by becoming the first American black belt to win two world championship titles consecutively.

Musumeci came back to fight in 2019 after losing much weight and competing in the rooster weight division this time. As the World Championship went on, Musumeci faced Bruno Malfacine in the semifinals, who held a record of winning the World Championship 10 times. He won the match against Malfacine by scoring 10 points against eight points.

Again, history was made when Rodnei Barbosa tapped out because he was trapped in an ankle lock by Musumeci. This match ended in 30 seconds, marking another world title that Mikey had won again.

Mikey Musumeci Fights In The Absolute Category

Musumeci wanted to test himself and prove to the world that an athlete’s size is not what determines victory in BJJ. He believes that BJJ is a martial art where techniques and skills matter more than size. With this belief, Musumeci fought in various tournaments in the absolute weight division in 2020. He won two matches but lost in the finals against the world champion at the time, Mahamed Aly by advantage. Despite losing the match, Musumeci won the hearts of millions and amazed the BJJ world.

Mikey Musumeci Fights In The Absolute Category

Photo credit: @downculture

2.3. Mikey Musumeci’s No-Gi Career

After achieving all that he could at such a young age in gi BJJ championships, Musumeci tried his luck in no-gi BJJ tournaments. There was little change in his top-class performance after his transition to no-gi BJJ.

Musumeci appeared at Who's Number One (WNO 7) for the first time as a no-gi competitor. He defeated one of the top grapplers in no-gi BJJ, Marcelo Cohen in 2021 by using an armbar/triangle.

2.4. Mikey Musumeci Introduced The “Mikey Lock”

In his second no-gi match, Musumeci modified aspects of the heel hook and ankle lock to create a newly invented form against Lucas Pinheiro. The lock became known as the “Mikey Lock.” The second match was won by Mikey Musumeci via submission.

2.5. Winning the World Championship for a Fourth Time

In 2021, Musumeci won another world title after defeating Bruno Malfacine in the final round by earning more points. This was another historic moment in Mikey Musumeci’s career.

2.6. Mikey Musumeci’s Best Developed Skills And Moves In BJJ

Musumeci has developed one of the best skillsets thanks to the versatile training he received from various mentors. His guard is one of the most famous in the BJJ world.

From the time when Musumeci was training with the Mendes brothers, he learned how to execute his favorite technique, the Berimbolo.

Musumeci’s guard game further flourished during his training tenure under Caio Terra.

In addition, the crab ride and foot locks, particularly the botinha technique, were further developed by Musumeci. Talking about modern BJJ techniques and moves, Musumeci’s guard is considered one of the best among famous BJJ athletes.

2.7. Mikey Musumeci’s Debut at ONE Championship Against The Great Masakazu Imanari

Musumeci made his transition to and debut in ONE Championship on Friday, April 22, 2022, against the leg-lock master and Imanari roll inventor Masakazu Imanari. He showed off his techniques and skills that helped him win his debut match. Musumeci won a $50,000 reward after the match.

3. 3. Mikey Musumeci’s Historic Fights

3.1. Mikey Musumeci Vs Masakazu Imanari (2022)


After getting into a dominant position, Musumeci managed to trap Imanari in a rear naked choke, forcing Imanari to submit.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2022 ONE FC 156 Masakazu Imanari Win RNC SPF Catchweight

3.2. Mikey Musumeci vs. Marcelo Cohen (2021)


After showing clear dominance in the match, Musumeci won against Cohen via triangle choke. This was Musumeci’s debut match in no-gi BJJ.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2021 WNO 7 Marcelo Cohen Win Triangle Armbar SPF 61 kg

3.3. Mikey Musumeci Vs Lucas Pinheiro (2021)


Musumeci’s match against Pinheiro is when he introduced and used the Mikey Lock to win against his opponent. The match did not last long as Musumeci was fast enough to trap the opponent using a modified inside heel hook and ankle lock.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2021 WNO 9 Lucas Pinheiro Win Inside Heel Hook SPF 61 Kg

3.4. Mikey Musumeci Vs Ary Farias (2018)


In his intense match against Ary Farias in the 2018 World Championship, Musumeci emerged the winner. Ary Farias, a pro BJJ, and MMA star gave it his all during the match. However, Farias could not match Musumeci’s techniques. Musumeci was able to take the control of his opponent and managed to get behind. Ultimately, Musumeci won the match by earning more points than his opponent.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2018 World Championship Ary Farias Win Points: 4x0 F 64 kg

4. Mikey Musumeci’s Championships And Accomplishments

4.1. Black Belt

  • Four-time IBJJF World Champion
  • IBJJF Pan Champion
  • Two-time IBJJF European Open Winner
  • Two-time IBJJF American Nationals Winner
  • IBJJF World No-Gi Champion
  • AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion
  • AJP Grand Slam, LA Winner

4.2. Colored Belts

  • Two-time IBJJF World Champion
  • Two-time IBJJF Juvenile World Champion
  • Two-time IBJJF Pan Champion
  • Two-time Juvenile Pan Champion
  • IBJJF Juvenile World No-Gi Champion
  • IBJJF Juvenile Pan No-Gi Champion

4.3. Records/Medals

World Championship

Event Year Medal
World Championship – California, USA 2021 Gold
World Championship – California, USA 2019 Gold
World Championship – California, USA 2018 Gold
World Championship – California, USA 2017 Gold
Pan American Championship – Florida, USA 2016 Gold
World No-Gi Championship – California, USA 2016 Gold
European Championship – Lisbon, Portugal 2020 Gold
European Championship – Lisbon, Portugal 2017 Gold
AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro – Abu Dhabi, UAE 2017 Gold
AJP Grand Slam World Tour – Los Angeles, USA 2016 Gold

Main Achievements

Four times IBJJF World Champion
Year Division
2021 57.5 kg
2019 57.5 kg
2018 64 kg
2017 64 kg

One Time Pan American Champion
Year Division
2016 57.5 kg

One Time World No-Gi Champion
Year Division
2016 61.5 kg

Two Times European Champion
Year Divison
2020 64 kg
2017 64 kg

One Time AJP Abu Dhabi Worl Pro Winner
Year Division
2017 62 kg

One Time AJP Grand Slam World Tour Winner
Year Division
2016 62 kg

Main Achievements (Belts)

Black Belts
Position Belt Events Years
1st Black Belt IBJJF World Championship 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017
1st Black Belt IBJJF Pan American Championship 2016
1st Black Belt IBJJF European Open 2020, 2017
1st Black Belt IBJJF American Nationals 2016, 2015
1st Black Belt IBJJF World No-Gi Championship 2016
1st Black Belt AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro 2017
1st Black Belt AJP Grand Slam. LA 2016

Colored Belts
Position Belt Events Years
1st Purple IBJJF World Championship 2014
1st Brown IBJJF World Championship 2015
1st Blue Juvenile World Championship 2013, 2012
1st Purple IBJJF Pan American Championship 2014
1st Brown IBJJF Pan American Championship 2015
1st Blue Juvenile Pan American Championship 2013, 2012
1st Blue IBJJF Juvenile World No-Gi Championship 2011
1st Blue Juvenile Pan American No-Gi Championship 2011

5. Mikey Musumeci’s BJJ Professional Record Breakdown

Professional BJJ Record Breakdown
63 Matches 58 Wins 5 Losses
By Submission 28 2
By Points 17 0
By Decision 5 1
By Advantage 8 2
By Points 0 0
By DQ 0 0

5.1. Submission Method (W/L)

Submission Method 28 Wins 2 Loss
Botinha 8 0
Choke From Back 5 0
Arm In Ezekiel 3 0
Mikey Lock 3 0
Triangle Armbar 2 0
Straight Ankle Lock 1 0
Omoplata 1 0
Inside Heel Hook 1 0
RNC 1 0
Bow And Arrow 1 0
Foot Lock 1 0
Armbar 1 0
Katagatame 0 1
North South Choke 0 1

6. Mikey Musumeci’s BJJ Fight History

Year Event Opponent Result (W/L/D) Method Stage Weight Class
2022 ONE FC 156 Masakazu Imanari W RNC SPF Catchweight
2022 GrappleFest 11 Kev Corkhill W Botinha SPF 60 kg
2022 WNO Estevan Martinez W Referee Decision SPF 61 kg
2021 World Championship Bruno Malfacine W Points: 6x0 F 57 kg
2021 World Championship Jonas Andrade W Botinha SF 57 kg
2021 World Championship Bebeto Oliveira W Botinha 4F 57 kg
2021 JJWL Cali Mario Esquivies W Mikey Lock F 69 kg
2021 JJWL Cali Gabriel Villalobos W Mikey Lock SF 69 kg
2021 WNO 10 Richard Alarcon W Mikey Lock SPF 65 kg
2021 WNO Championship Gabriel Sousa L North South Choke 4F 70 kg
2021 Road to ADCC Geo Martinez W Points: 6x0 SPF 66 kg
2021 WNO 10 Junny Ocasio W Referee Decision SPF 61 kg
2021 WNO 9 Lucas Pinheiro W Inside Heel Hook SPF 61 kg
2021 WNO 7 Marcelo Cohen W Triangle Armbar SPF 61 kg
2020 Foley Open Orlando Castillo W Choke From Back F 70 kg
2020 Foley Open Suraj Budhram W Arm In Ezekiel SF 70 kg
2020 Pan American Horlando Monteiro L Katagatame R1 94 kg
2020 European Open Jonas Andrade W Referee Decision F 64 kg
2020 European Open Diego Oliveira W Botinha SF 64 kg
2020 European Open Suraj Budhram W Arm In Ezekiel 4F 64 kg
2020 European Open Mahamed Aly L Points: 2x2, Advantage 4F ABS
2020 European Open Seif Houmine W Points: 0x0, Advantage R2 ABS
2020 European Open Jacopo Pasquini W Choke From Back R1 ABS
2019 Golden State Ari Tavira W Triangle Armbar F 70 kg
2019 Golden State Geoff Villarreal W Choke From Back SF 70 kg
2019 World Festival Joseph Lee W Omoplata SPF 70 kg
2019 World Championship Rodnei Barbosa W Straight Ankle Lock F 57 kg
2019 World Championship Bruno Malfacine W Points: 10x8 SF 57 kg
2019 World Championship Koji Shibamoto W Points: 8x2 4F 57 kg
2019 World Championship Shohei Watanabe W Points: 8x2 R1 57 kg
2018 World Championship Ary Farias W Points: 4x0 F 64 kg
2018 World Championship Tiago Barros W Referee Decision SF 64 kg
2018 World Championship Alex Sodre W Arm In Ezekiel 4F 64 kg
2018 World Championship Eduard Lisboa W Armbar R2 64 kg
2018 ACB 10 Rafael Freitas W Botinha SPF 60 kg
2017 World Championship Joao Miyao W Points: 0x0, Advantage F 64 kg
2017 World Championship Ary Farias W Points: 10x10, Advantage SF 64 kg
2017 World Championship Isaac Doederlein W Points: 8x8, Advantage 4F 64 kg
2017 World Championship Washington Lima W Botinha 8F 64 kg
2017 World Pro Mathias Jardin W Botinha RR 62 kg
2017 World Pro Hiago George W Points: 4x0 RR 62 kg
2017 World Pro Cleber Sousa W Points: 2x0 RR 62 kg
2017 World Pro Alexis Alduncin W Points RR 62 kg
2017 Pan American Cleber Sousa L Referee Decision 4F 64 kg
2017 Pan American Ryan Clay W Footlock R1 64 kg
2017 European Open Gabriel Moraes W Points: 2x0 F 64 kg
2017 European Open Hiago George W Referee Decision SF 64 kg
2017 European Open Ryan Clay W Bow And Arrow 4F 64 kg
2016 NoGi Worlds Joao Miyao W Points: 10x8 F 62 kg
2016 NoGi Worlds Thomas Lisboa W Points: 4x4, Advantage SF 62 kg
2016 Grand Slam LA Joao Miyao W Points: 2x0 F 62 kg
2016 Grand Slam LA Tiago Barros W Points: 2x0 SF 62 kg
2016 Ch. Summer Open Bruce Guevara W Points: 6x0 F 70 kg
2016 Ch. Summer Open Joao Marinho W Points: 2x0 SF 70 kg
2016 American Nationals Joao Miyao W Points: 2x2, Advantage F 64 kg
2016 American Nationals Mayko Borges W Points: 8x0 SF 64 kg
2016 World Championship Isaac Doederlein L Points: 2x2, Advantage 4F 64 kg
2016 World Championship Luis Pinto W Botinha R1 64 kg
2016 Pan American Lucas Pinheiro W Points: 6x3 F 57 kg
2016 Pan American Joao Somalia W Choke From Back SF 57 kg
2016 Pan American Tomoyuki Hashimoto W Points: 2x2, Advantage 4F 57 kg
2015 American Nationals Joao Miyao W Points: 4x4, Advantage F 64 kg
2015 American Nationals Nobuo Yagai W Choke From Back SF 64 kg

7. Mikey Musumeci’s Top Fights (Video Links)

Mikey Vs Seif-Eddine (2020)

Mikey Vs João Miyao - World Championship (2017)

Mikey Musumeci Vs Richard Alarcon (2021) – Mikey Introduces the Mikey Lock

Mikey Vs Bruno Malfacine - World Championship (2021)

Mikey VS Rodnei Barbosa - World Championship (2019)

Mikey Vs Orlando Castillo (2020)

Photo credit: @mikeymusumeci

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