When you first see Mikey Musumeci's profile and selfie, you might think he's an uncompromising otaku: "Super nerd, food connoisseur, animal lover, all will, courage and strength come from God." But another introduction that follows reveals his true identity: "5 Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt World Champions (4 times with a costume, 1 without a suit)"...
In the April 22 "ONE: Reloaded" major fighting event, Mickey will make his ONE Championship debut against a generation of legendary fighters "Foot Level Ten Dan" Kim Sung-jong-ho (Masakazu Imanari).
Known as the "Child Of Jiu-Jitsu Prodigy", Mickey began his jiu-jitsu training at the age of 4 and won all levels of championships from blue to brown belts at IBJJF as a teenager. With the help of two masters of jiu-jitsu, Jonatas Gurgel and Gilbert Burns, Mickey received a jiu-jitsu black belt at the age of 18, becoming one of the youngest.
Mickey then became the fourth American to win the IBJJF World Championship in the men's black belt and the first to win the title three times. Up to now, Mickey's jiu-jitsu record is 57 wins, 5 losses and 27 surrenders, which can be called the most outstanding jiu-jitsu players in the young generation of the United States.
In March of this year, Mickey officially signed for the ONE Championship, writing on his personal social media: "I am very excited to announce that I have signed a contract with the ONE Championship, the most professional fighting organization ever. I talked to Syyudo for two hours today, and it was the most insightful and meaningful conversation I've ever had in my life. I am really honored to be a member of this organization and compete in Asia. ”
Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and CEO of ONE Championships, immediately replied on social media: "Welcome to the world's largest martial arts stage, Mickey! I am full of gratitude and gratitude for being able to work together! ”
Just a month after the signing was announced, Mickey made his ONE Championship debut, but his first game will be played under the demotion rules, which will help him get familiar with and adapt to fighting in a cage faster. Moreover, Masakazu Imai as his debut opponent is also very suitable and meaningful.
"Foot Seki Ten Duan" Masakazu Imaimori is a formidable surrender expert and a legend in the Japanese martial arts world, and the two people with very different styles are full of attractions and suspense when they fight under the rules of surrender and entanglement. At the same time, the difference between the two is exactly 21 years, which is a showdown between the old generation of legends and the new generation of top jiu-jitsu, and can be seen as a battle of inheritance.
Facing a generation of legendary fighters, can the "jiu-jitsu prodigy" Mickey win his first victory in the cage? In the future, after moving to the mixed martial arts arena, will he be able to play his own piece of the world like his predecessors? Let's wait and see.