The debate surrounding athlete exclusivity in professional grappling continues to intensify, and now one of the sport’s biggest stars has stepped directly into the conversation.
UFC BJJ champion Mikey Musumeci publicly defended the promotion after criticism erupted over its decision to limit athletes from competing at ADCC.
The policy has drawn reactions from prominent figures across the Jiu-Jitsu world, including Craig Jones and Tom DeBlass, who argued the restrictions could hurt both competitors and the sport’s broader competitive ecosystem.
Musumeci, however, framed the situation very differently.
Taking to social media, the reigning champion questioned why UFC BJJ is expected to build athletes only to allow other organizations to benefit from their popularity:
How dare UFC not want to spend millions of dollars investing in Jiu Jitsu events building their athletes to get maximal exposure just to donate their athletes to help other events.
Musumeci also explained what he has against the ADCC itself:
My only beef with ADCC, since everyone says their beef about UFC BJJ to me every second, ADCC refused to make a lighter weight class 145 being their lightest weight.
JUDO, WRESTLING, GI JIU JITSU, MMA, all combat sports have this lighter weight class, except the supposed Olympics of nogi grappling??If they added this weight class my view would be a bit different maybe, but without it I just see them as another organization (top of top ofc) and I think they are a great organization with great opportunities and many stars can be made there, but it’s just one option to grow your brand.
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