Mikey Musumeci, also known as “Darth Rigatoni,” recently had a victorious match at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video. He faced off against Gabriel Sousa and managed to secure a win in just over three minutes with a knee-destroying calf slicer. This victory was particularly significant for Musumeci as it marked his redemption against Sousa, who had defeated him in 2021.
In a post-match interview, Musumeci revealed that his anger towards Sousa had been building up for several years. He described how Sousa had been taunting him and discrediting him, which fueled his desire to finally silence his opponent. Musumeci’s childhood memories of competing against tough opponents like Sousa resurfaced during the match, leading to a more aggressive performance.
Despite his emotional outburst after the fight, Musumeci expressed his readiness to move on to his next challenge. He is set to face Kade Ruotolo for the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title at ONE 168: Denver on September 6. Musumeci acknowledged the tough competition Ruotolo presents but emphasized that he is focusing on maintaining his strength and cardio rather than bulking up significantly for the match.
While Musumeci recognizes that he may not match Ruotolo’s strength and athleticism, he is considering adding some muscle to his frame to prepare for the upcoming showdown. He aims to put on an additional 5 pounds of muscle to enhance his performance without compromising his cardio. Musumeci’s dedication to improving his physical condition highlights his determination to face Ruotolo in peak form and secure another victory in his impressive career.