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UFC BJJ Faces A New Challenge: Mikey Musumeci May Have Outgrown the Competition

UFC BJJ Faces A New Challenge: Mikey Musumeci May Have Outgrown the Competition

After just three events, the UFC’s new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu division is facing an unexpected problem — its biggest star might be too dominant for his own good.

Bantamweight champion Mikey Musumeci has continued to dismantle opponents with ease, leaving UFC BJJ executives struggling to find anyone capable of giving him a real challenge.

Speaking after UFC BJJ 3, executive Claudia Gadelha addressed the growing concern head-on:

We try to pair him against the best.

It’s very hard because he is probably the best pound-for-pound jiu-jitsu athlete in the world and it’s very hard to find him good matches.

Her comments came after Musumeci’s latest title defense against Keven Carrasco, a bout that ended in under three minutes with a trademark heel hook.
The skill gap was glaring — Carrasco was overwhelmed from the opening exchange:

A lot of people want to go against him but also at the same time a lot of people don’t want to go against him.

When you look at the best, they know how good Mikey is.

Musumeci’s dominance has been absolute.
His past opponents — Felipe Machado, Rerisson Gabriel, and now Carrasco — have all failed to make it competitive.

Even Musumeci acknowledges the situation:

Well, I’ve been undefeated in my division for over eight years. I think nine years almost now.

I’ve been consistently at the top. And that’s a good problem.”

Gadelha hinted that the promotion might need to get creative, suggesting potential superfights outside of Musumeci’s division:

We will have to get creative with Mikey, you know, challenge him a little more.

If we have to do a super match for him, if we have to bring in heavier opponents to compete with him, I’m sure he’ll be down to do so — because it’s getting to the point where, like, who are we going to pair Mikey against?

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