Mikey Musumeci is one of the best pound-for-pound grapplers in the world. He has worked with several UFC fighters over the past few years including former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno.
‘Darth Rigatoni’ has recently been credited as an up-and-comer UFC lightweight contender, Chase Hooper, for working together ahead of UFC 310, which took place on December 7.
Hooper, one of the top Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners in the 155-pound division, faced Clay Guido on an early preliminary card. He secured a submission win over Guido, and now he’s shared some details about how training with Musumeci helped him submit the UFC veteran.
The 25-year-old recently appeared on the JAXXON PODCAST, hosted by former UFC champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, where he said:
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“Honestly, I was really trying to set up this armbar. I worked with Mikey Musumeci when I was in New York for the MSG card. I worked for [UFC] Fight Pass. I have to roll with him, he just beats me to death when it comes to tackling. Then he showed me this little kimura grip arm setup, I butchered it a little.”
Watch Chase Hooper discuss the Mikey Musumeci below (0:05):
Mikey Musumeci shares his pick for the best grappler in the UFC
Mikey Musumeci recently signed with the UFC Fight Pass team in what could prove to be a pivotal moment for the sport. The New Jersey native is eager to make money a few changes to the sport with the help of an established platform like the UFC.
After previously competing in ONE Championship from 2022 to 2024, the submission grappler returned to his home soil and signed an exclusive contract with the UFC.
Musumecia recently interviewed MMA personality and media member, Nina-Marie Daniele, who asked ‘Darth Rigatoni’ to share her pick for the best grappler in the UFC. He chose his longtime trainer and former light heavyweight title challenger, Gilbert Burns.
Musumeci said:
“Well, I got my black belt from Gilbert Burns. So he’s my coach, so I have to say him. But I really think he has amazing jiu-jitsu. Great submissions, great all. So he’s my answer.”
Check out Mikey Musumeci’s comments below (16:15):
Edited by Tejas Rathi
