Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu superstar Mikey Musumeci recently opened up about a serious health challenge that impacted his performance at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 9. The grappling ace, known for his relentless pursuit of submission victories, revealed on social media that he was suffering from three stomach ulcers during his match against Felipe Machado.
The revelation adds context to what was already an impressive performance. Despite the painful condition, Musumeci pushed through the match, repeatedly attempting submissions and ultimately earning a victory on points. However, in his post-match interview, Musumeci expressed disappointment for not achieving a submission finish, apologizing to fans and promising to improve in his next outing.
A Tough Year for the Grappling Phenom
Musumeci’s health issues didn’t begin with the UFC Invitational. In September, he was hospitalized and diagnosed with pneumomediastinum—a life-threatening condition where air enters the chest cavity. The diagnosis came after Musumeci performed intense diaphragm breathing exercises during a weight cut, a technique popularized by Rickson Gracie. Doctors informed him that competing in that state could have been fatal.
Reflecting on the incident, Musumeci shared his gratitude for having avoided a potentially catastrophic outcome. “This is a life-threatening condition, and if I would have competed, I could have died,” he said. “God protected me.”
Transitioning to the UFC and Facing New Challenges
Musumeci’s UFC Fight Pass debut was highly anticipated, as it marked his first appearance outside ONE Championship, where he held the flyweight submission grappling world title for nearly two years. His abrupt departure from ONE Championship at the end of 2024 raised questions about his next career move, but it didn’t take long for answers to emerge. Musumeci became the first grappler to sign an exclusive contract with UFC Fight Pass, with his debut match announced shortly afterward.
The match against Machado, a high-level grappler in his own right, was booked as the main event. On paper, it was an excellent test for Musumeci, who relentlessly chased submissions throughout the bout. Although he didn’t achieve a finish, his dominance was evident, and he walked away with a victory despite his health challenges.
Stress, Health, and Recovery
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Musumeci explained the toll that stress has taken on his body. “Just found out I did my last match with 3 stomach ulcers after I couldn’t stand straight from the pain; too much stress,” he wrote. The grappling star added that he is now focused on recovery and assured fans that he would be at full strength for his next match.
Musumeci also shared insights into his grueling schedule, noting that he’s been in continuous training for over a year with multiple canceled matches along the way. This relentless pace likely contributed to his health issues, prompting the grappling ace to announce plans for a well-deserved break to recharge before resuming competition.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, Musumeci’s resilience and determination continue to shine. His performance at the UFC Invitational showcased his grit, even in the face of significant challenges. As he takes time to recover and address his health, fans eagerly await his return to competition, confident that the grappling phenom will come back stronger than ever.
Mikey Musumeci remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of a true martial artist—pushing boundaries, overcoming adversity, and inspiring fans worldwide.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
