Mikey Musumeci Quits ONE Championship Weeks After Being Stripped of Championship Title for Disastrous Weight Cut

Mikey Musumeci, also known as "Darth Rigatoni", has decided to quit ONE Championship after a pretty harsh experience recently. He did write positive things on his long and heartful message on Instagram, but the experience that led to that decision was bitter.

During ONE 168, Mikey Musumeci was unceremoniously stripped of his title for not cutting weight. He was asked to drop three weight classes in very few days after a last-minute opponent change. Even though this was a harsh decision and the ONE community globally rallied for the American jiu-jitsu star, he did not show any animosity in his final message before he closed the curtains to this chapter.

He posted on Instagram and wrote, "– today I would like to announce I will no longer be living in Asia or competing under One Championship."

He narrated his story and spoke about returning to America with his family and starting a new chapter. Mikey added, "I was the first submission grappling world champion the organization ever had, and I had the platform and opportunity to help grow our sport of jiu-jitsu to so many more people!"

The former ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion was going to fight against Bebeto Oliveira in Ball Arena for ONE 168: Denver. The fight was a short notice one because lightweight Kade Ruotolo had to withdraw due to an injury and could not fight against Mikey.

He prepared for the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title which was three weight divisions heavier than his natural weight. However it was announced that he would face Ruotolo's opponent instead. So this led to all the health issues and unfortunate withdrawal.

Mikey Musumeci's reason for withdrawal from ONE 168 The whole plan backfired on "Darth Rigatoni" as he did not cut weight and hydration and was then stripped of his belt. He even uploaded his health condition on Instagram. The Evolve MMA and Cobrinha BJJ stalwart said, "I just want to thank everyone for the messages and support. I have been in the hospital since early this morning. I have pneumomediastinum, which means I had a tear in my lung Wednesday I believe when I was cutting weight doing rickson diaphragm breathing (didn't know this was possible) and air got into my chest and then into my neck."

The doctor even told him that if he had competed, he could have died. So ultimately, withdrawing and not choosing to take the fight saved his life. While fans were disappointed that he could not fight at ONE 168, his health was not compromised due to the fight and he can heal for a better future prospect in the combat world.

For now as he closes one chapter, another chapter awaits. So let's see where it takes him.