Mikey Musumeci says he’s ready to give up the UFC BJJ bantamweight belt, as his focus shifts toward a professional MMA debut.
Speaking after his bout with Bryce Mitchell at UFC BJJ 11, Musumeci told reporters he plans to open talks with the promotion about relinquishing the title.
The match with Mitchell was contested under a gentleman’s agreement barring leg locks, a key part of Musumeci’s usual game, forcing him to rely instead on wrestling, where he landed two takedowns.
He said the experience shifted how he approached the fight overall:
I was just having fun, you know. A lot of times I compete, I don’t let myself have fun. I just am miserable and I’m just like a robot, trying to finish the person as fast as I can.
So this time I just wanted to be in the present moment and have fun and make it more entertaining.
Musumeci has held the UFC BJJ title since June 2025, and said it no longer provides the same motivation it once did:
I think it’s time for me to start talking to the UFC about this conversation about vacating.
I don’t really have any more desire. I’ve already won every title I’ve wanted to in Jiu-Jitsu in my weight class, right?
So for me to do the same thing over and over, it kind of gets played out.
He also reiterated an earlier promise to make his MMA debut before the end of 2026:
Before the end of this year, 100%. I was actually supposed to compete in an MMA bout… But now I have to wait for the next event
Probably by November, December, I should be going MMA.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
đź’Ą What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
đź’ Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
