Mikey Musumeci Makes History as First UFC BJJ Bantamweight Champion with Heel Hook Victory
- Mark Myword
- Jun 26
- 2 min read

Mikey Musumeci, already considered the trailblazer of the UFC’s venture into submission grappling, officially etched his name into the history books on Wednesday night by capturing the inaugural UFC BJJ bantamweight title. Facing off against the highly durable Rerisson Gabriel at UFC BJJ 1, Musumeci sealed the deal with a third-round heel hook submission, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s most dangerous leg lock specialists.
As the first Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete signed by the UFC, Musumeci has long been viewed as the face of the promotion’s commitment to elevating professional grappling on a global platform. His crowning moment came during the headliner of UFC BJJ 1, an event aimed at showcasing elite-level submission grappling talent under the UFC banner. True to form, Musumeci delivered a high-paced and technical display that delighted purist fans and casual viewers alike.
From the opening minute, Musumeci pressed the action with his signature leg entanglements and relentless heel hook attempts, displaying a masterclass in positional control and offensive creativity. Gabriel, for his part, showed remarkable composure and defensive awareness, managing to escape several dangerous positions during the first two rounds. But the tide turned in the third, when Musumeci finally found the angle and torque he needed to finish the heel hook.
Despite Gabriel’s desperate attempt to roll out and scramble across the mat, Musumeci's grip and positioning remained airtight. Eventually, with no viable escape and the pressure mounting, Gabriel had no choice but to tap, handing Musumeci the historic title-clinching submission win.
The moment not only reinforced Musumeci’s technical dominance, but also solidified his identity within the promotion. As the UFC continues to experiment with submission-only events and professional grappling, Musumeci has emerged as the perfect ambassador — marketable, elite, and relentlessly entertaining.
UFC BJJ 1 featured several standout performances in other weight classes as well, with title fights and impressive finishes across the board:
At 170 pounds, Andrew Tackett claimed the welterweight title with a swift rear-naked choke submission over Andy Varela in Round 1.
The lightweight belt went to Carlos Henrique, who secured an armbar finish against Danilo Moreira in Round 3.
Keith Krikorian continued his rise at 155 pounds with a second-round rear-naked choke of Joao Assonitis.
Women’s flyweight standout Cassia Moura earned a unanimous decision win over Talita Alencar.
Pedro Machado dominated at 205 pounds, finishing Filipe Pimentel with a triangle choke in Round 2.
At featherweight, rising prospect Bella Mir — daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir — impressed with a second-round D’Arce choke win over Carol Joia.
In another lightweight bout, Keven Carrasco submitted Ty Costlow with a triangle choke in the opening round.
With this inaugural event, UFC BJJ has made a strong statement that high-level grappling has a rightful place under the UFC umbrella — and with Mikey Musumeci leading the charge, the future looks both technical and thrilling.