The grappling world witnessed history last night as Mikey Musumeci claimed the inaugural UFC BJJ Bantamweight Championship at UFC BJJ 1, submitting Rerisson Gabriel with a devastating heel hook in the third round.
The King Claims His Throne
In what many are calling a groundbreaking moment for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the five-time IBJJF World Champion added another prestigious title to his collection. Musumeci’s victory over Gabriel wasn’t just a win – it was a statement that positioned him as the face of the UFC’s ambitious new grappling venture.
The American phenom, who has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest grapplers of all time, showed why the UFC put their full marketing machine behind him. His technical prowess and finishing ability were on full display as he systematically broke down Gabriel before securing the fight-ending heel hook.
Historic Night for Grappling
UFC BJJ 1 delivered on its promise to showcase elite jiu-jitsu talent on the biggest stage possible. Alongside Musumeci’s bantamweight triumph, Andrew Tackett and Carlos Henrique also claimed inaugural championships in their respective divisions, marking the beginning of what could be a new era for competitive grappling.
The event’s success validates the UFC’s belief that pure grappling can captivate mainstream audiences when presented with their signature production values and marketing expertise.
What’s Next for the New Champion?
With PED testing set to be introduced to UFC BJJ (as announced by Musumeci himself), the promotion is clearly taking steps to legitimize itself alongside established organizations like the IBJJF. This move could attract even more elite talent who want to compete in a clean, professional environment.
Musumeci’s post-fight interview hinted at big plans ahead, and with the UFC’s backing, his reign as the inaugural bantamweight champion could help elevate grappling to unprecedented heights.
The King has his crown – now the real work begins.
Watch the full event here
