Mikey Musumeci Signs UFC Grappling Deal, Not MMA Contract
The UFC’s 2024 signing of Mikey Musumeci began as a grappling partnership, not an announcement that he would enter MMA. The five-time world champion became the first athlete to sign an exclusive Brazilian jiu-jitsu contract with UFC Fight Pass. His first appearance under the deal came at Fight Pass Invitational 9 in December 2024, where he defeated Felipe Machado 2–0 in overtime on points.
From Fight Pass signing to UFC BJJ champion
The contract became part of a broader effort to put submission grappling on UFC platforms. In June 2025, the promotion launched UFC BJJ with Musumeci facing Rerisson Gabriel for its inaugural bantamweight championship. Musumeci won by submission in the final round and became the division’s first champion.
He defended the belt against Keven Carrasco at UFC BJJ 3 in October 2025, finishing with his signature Mikey Lock. He later submitted Shay Montague by foot lock at UFC BJJ 5 in February 2026, then tapped Kevin Dantzler with a heel hook at UFC BJJ 8 in May. Those results built the title reign that made him the face of the promotion’s new grappling series.
A change in direction in 2026
Musumeci’s most recent UFC BJJ appearance came in September 2026, when he moved up to face UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell in a non-title match. UFC’s official results list Musumeci as the winner by unanimous decision. The bout offered a different look at his grappling than the fast submission finishes that defined his early title defenses.
On October 9, Musumeci announced that he had vacated the UFC BJJ bantamweight title so he could prioritize MMA training. He has said he still intends to compete in grappling super fights. No MMA debut has been announced, so the signing’s next chapter remains a possibility rather than a booked fight.
The original deal gave Musumeci a stage to bring elite jiu-jitsu to UFC audiences. Since then, he helped launch the promotion’s dedicated BJJ series, became its first bantamweight champion and defended the belt before shifting his focus. Whether he eventually makes the move from grappling to MMA, his UFC signing has already grown into a substantial chapter in the sport.
Sources
UFC: Fight Pass Invitational 9 card and exclusive contract
UFC: Musumeci defeats Machado at FPI 9
UFC: Inaugural UFC BJJ title result
UFC: UFC BJJ 3 title defense
UFC: UFC BJJ 5 title defense
UFC: UFC BJJ 8 title defense
UFC: UFC BJJ 11 result
MMA Fighting: Musumeci vacates the title to focus on MMA training
