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Last weekend at ONE Fight Night 6, ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci defended his belt for the first time by beating Gantumur Bayanduuren via unanimous decision.
More than half of the 10-minute match saw 'Darth Rigatoni' absolutely destroy Bayanduuren's knee with various kneebars and heel hook submissions.
Much of the conversation after the bout was Bayanduuren's refusal to tap despite his knee being severely compromised. The grappling community is divided on the matter, with some saying it was a valiant show of toughness while others say it's hubris.
In his post-fight media scrum, Mikey Musumeci spoke about his opponent's apparent toughness. He also spoke about what he could have done differently after his opponent refused to tap to the leglocks:
"I'll just put him to sleep. I looked at my corner. I heard them say two minutes. And then I just let go of the submission. And I took him. I almost calf-sliced him, I think. And then I took his back. And I should have just done that from the beginning. I could have definitely just put him to sleep."
From the looks of it, Musumeci could have done anything he wanted to Bayanduuren. The Mongolian sambo specialist had little to no defense against the American BJJ blackbelt's attacks. While he decided to take Bayanduuren's back late in the bout, if he did so a few minutes earlier, Musumeci could have out the challenger to sleep.
Watch Musumeci's post-fight media interview below:
Mikey Musumeci says Gantumur Bayanduuren should have tapped out instead of going to the hospital
In the same press interview, Mikey Musumeci reiterated that Gantumur Bayanduuren should have tapped. He did, however, give the Mongolian warrior praise as well:
"I've broken a lot of legs but then now that leg exploded, I didn't know what to do and it's just disgusting and gross. I really wish he [Bayanduuren] tapped. The result didn't change and now he's in the hospital. So I don't know. But what a warrior he is for showing his will."
The ONE flyweight submission grappling world champ is absolutely correct. There's little to nothing to gain from refusing to tap to a submission that's already fully locked in. Not tapping can mean months, even years, taken away from your career. It's better to tap and concede the match so you can go home healthy and train again.
