In a night that showcased the growing grip of pure grappling under the UFC banner, Mikey Musumeci defended his bantamweight championship at UFC BJJ 3, submitting challenger Keven Carrasco in what felt like a masterclass gone viral. The event, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on October 2, unfolded with the precision of a well-oiled machine, but it was Musumeci's performance that stole the show—and perhaps raised a few eyebrows about the sport's elite hierarchy.
From the opening bell, Musumeci, the 29-year-old phenom known as "Darth Rigatoni," circled with that familiar predatory calm. Carrasco, a tough Brazilian prospect with a reputation for relentless pressure, tried to impose his game early. But indeed, Musumeci's transitions were seamless, almost too smooth. By the second round, he had Carrasco trapped in a scramble that ended with the 'Mikey lock'—a heel hook variation so quick it evoked scenes from The Karate Kid, minus the wax-on-wax-off drama. The tap came at 1:45, leaving the crowd buzzing and Musumeci's record in UFC BJJ unblemished at 2-0 for title fights.
Moreover, the co-main event didn't disappoint either. Carlos Henrique mirrored the main card success, retaining his lightweight crown against Matheus Gabriel via a gritty decision after five intense minutes. Henrique's defense highlighted the depth in the division, where every match seems to push the boundaries of what's possible on the mat. UFC BJJ 3 featured eight bouts in total, drawing grapplers from around the world and underscoring the organization's push into submission-only formats since launching last June.
However, not everything was flawless. Some fans online grumbled about the Apex's sterile vibe compared to the energy of a live arena, and questions linger on whether UFC's involvement will truly elevate BJJ beyond niche circles. Musumeci, post-fight, spoke of his passion for making the sport accessible, but his dominance begs the question: is this the dawn of a new era, or just another layer in grappling's complex evolution?