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ONE flyweight submission grappling champion Mikey Musumeci is excited for the planned ONE Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix this year and cannot wait to see it.
The ambitious tournament is set to be one of the landmark events for ONE Championship in 2023. It was announced at the press conference for ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video last week in Bangkok.
The openweight competition will see 16 of the best strikers in the world, regardless of their weight division, compete for a top prize of $1 million. It is only open to ONE fighters, but the promotion said it is constantly signing athletes, some of whom it is yet to announce.
Speaking to SCMP MMA, Mikey Musumeci said the Muay Thai Grand Prix is going to be great for the sport:
“I think it’s amazing what ONE Championship and Chatri [Sityodtong] are doing for the sport of Muay Thai. This is going to be the biggest event ever for the sport of Muay Thai. It’s going to be insane watching openweight Muay Thai. Like, what’s going to happen?”
Check out the full interview below:
The openweight tournament could possibly feature top ONE strikers like Chingiz Allazov, Superbon Singha Mawynn, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao and Regian Eersel. It has also caught the interest of kickboxer and mixed martial arts fighter Alistair Overeem.
Mikey Musumeci was part of ONE Fight Night 6 on January 13. He successfully defended his submission grappling world title against Mongolian challenger Gantumur Bayanduuren via unanimous decision.
Prior to joining ONE, he was a decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete, including winning five IBJF world championships while representing the United States.
Mikey Musumeci thankful for ONE’s push of submission grappling
Top Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete Mikey Musumeci is grateful to ONE Championship for the numerous opportunities it has given fighters like him in its fold.
The reigning ONE flyweight submission grappling champion made his sentiments known in an Instagram post in the lead-up to his fight at ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video.
Part of the post read:
"So amazing how One is helping our sport grow and how international jiu jitsu is becoming."
ONE Fight Night 6 took place on January 13 in Bangkok, where Mikey Musumeci retained his world title against challenger Gantumur Bayanduuren with a dominant display.
Since making his ONE debut in April last year, he has compiled a spotless 3-0 record. He claimed the inaugural ONE flyweight submission grappling world title at ONE on Prime Video 2 in September with a unanimous decision win over Brazilian Cleber Sousa.
