UFC BJJ bantamweight titleholder Mikey Musumeci has been training alongside high-level MMA fighters for a long time, and now the BJJ star is ready to relinquish his UFC BJJ belt as he has bigger plans.

Most recently, during a sit-down with Ariel Helwani, Musumeci once more confirmed he will make his MMA debut this year. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom said:

“I really want to do this. I’m 30 years old. I don’t have that much time left in my life to compete like this, so I don’t want any what-ifs. I’m loving the MMA training. I’m addicted to it. I want to see how far I can go. I kind of like being the underdog and having to work my way up and being a student of the game again. I love feeling like I’m a white belt again. I have to learn.”

Check out Mikey Musumeci’s comments below:

The 30-year-old has already successfully defended his UFC BJJ bantamweight world title three times. This past weekend, the renowned grappler defeated Bryce Mitchell by unanimous decision at UFC BJJ 11.

After the win, while discussing the switch from the UFC BJJ mats to the octagon/cage, Musumeci said he wants to train with more MMA fighters. He added that he is ‘pretty much done competing in his division’ and wants to “train more” with “Thug Nasty.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) Mikey Musumeci and Bryce Mitchell talk after a featherweight match during the UFC BJJ 11 event at Meta APEX on September 24, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Musumeci also told Helwani that his manager has been talking to a couple of MMA promotions, and he will soon decide which banner he wants to compete under. Musumeci wants to win a couple of MMA fights on the regional scene before potentially entering the octagon. He also said in the interview that he has the full support of his coach, John Wood, at Syndicate MMA, as well as Hunter Campbell.

Mikey Musumeci wants to win the UFC 125-pound strap

Mikey Musumeci also told Ariel Helwani during the same sit-down that he plans to fight in the UFC flyweight division and capturing the throne down the line. However, he also admitted that he still has to level up before he can dominate.

“My goal would be to go to the UFC at 125 lbs and win that belt. I have a lot of work to do before then. That’s us seeing super far ahead. One match at a time. Let’s get my level up, let’s get me not to get killed standing, and let’s get me to the floor. I think people are going to be really surprised at my level.”

Check out Mikey Musumeci’s comments below:

The UFC flyweight division has transformed into one of the most stacked and entertaining divisions on the roster, featuring champion Joshua Van, former champion Alexandre Pantoja, and top contenders such as Brandon Moreno, Kyoji Horiguchi, Manel Kape, Brandon Royval, and many more. Musumeci could be an exciting addition to an already highly competitive division as he looks to find out ‘how far he can go’ after the crossover.

[Images via UFC on X]

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.