Gantumur Bayanduuren could return in MMA despite ‘gruesome’ injury - Chatri Sityodtong

Mikey Musumeci delivered another dominant performance inside the circle, defeating ONE Championship debutant Gantumur Bayanduuren to retain his ONE lightweight submission grappling world championship.

The two warriors squared off at ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video in a submission grappling showdown that saw fan-favorite Mikey Musumeci once again remind the world why he is the best submission specialist in the game.

Though he may not have gotten the finish, it wasn’t due to a lack of trying. Musumeci had Bayanduuren’s leg locked up for a significant portion of the contest, but his Mongolian challenger refused to tap out, no matter the damage.

ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed that despite the lopsided loss, he would gladly welcome Bayanduuren back to the circle, but wants the Sambo world champion to focus on healing before they talk about his future under the ONE banner.

“Yeah, I’d be happy to give him an MMA fight. I’m more concerned right now for his health and I wish he tapped. Yeah, I mean, I spoke to Mikey afterwards he said that every angle, every attempt he did, he just heard more ligaments, more bones cracking and splitting apart. It was quite gruesome."

He added:

“Then again the doctor described it at the hospital as akin to a motorcycle accident, that the leg detaches. That’s how bad the knee was.”

Watch the full interview below:

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Gantumur Bayanduuren suffered multiple injuries in match with Mikey Musumeci

Gantumur Bayanduuren’s ONE Championship debut could not have gone much worse. The Mongolian warrior earned a ton of respect for his toughness, but it will be quite some time before Bayanduuren competes in any way, shape, or form.

Per a report from the South China Morning Post, the Sambo world champion tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Adding insult to injury, he broke his ankle following the submission grappling contest.

During his appearance at the ONE Fight Night 6 post-fight press conference, Mikey Musumeci commended Gantumur Bayanduuren’s toughness, saying:

“I don't know, how do I shut my mind from doing a submission when it's like popping someone's limb? I wasn't being stubborn this time. Like it actually was popping. Like if it wasn't popping and it's like, ‘Okay.’ But I felt it kept breaking. So I feel like I wasn't being as stubborn as I usually am but I still didn't do it enough. What a tough opponent. What a warrior he is for breaking his leg for no reason.”