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Mikey Musumeci's Hospitalization: A Cautionary Tale of Extreme Weight Cutting
- Austin Jones
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Mikey Musumeci's Hospitalization: A Cautionary Tale of Extreme Weight Cutting
The Weight Cut That Went Wrong
Originally scheduled to face Kade Ruotolo in a 170-pound bout, Mikey Musumeci's plans were upended when Ruotolo withdrew due to injury. In response, Musumeci agreed to defend his flyweight title against Bebeto Oliveira at 135 pounds—a 35-pound drop from his previous weight class—with less than a week to prepare. This drastic change proved to be too much, as Musumeci failed both the weight and hydration tests, leading to the stripping of his title.
The Medical Emergency
During his intense weight-cutting regimen, Musumeci engaged in Rickson Gracie's diaphragm breathing exercises. Unfortunately, this led to a rare condition known as pneumomediastinum, where air escapes into the chest cavity. Musumeci reported that air entered his chest and neck, causing severe discomfort. Doctors later confirmed that had he competed under these conditions, it could have been fatal.
ONE Championship's Response
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the organization's commitment to athlete safety. He clarified that Musumeci's decision to drop to 135 pounds was voluntary and not pressured by the promotion.
A Cautionary Tale - Mikey Musumeci
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with extreme weight cutting in combat sports. While athletes often push their bodies to the limit, it's crucial to prioritize health and safety above all else. Musumeci's experience underscores the need for more stringent regulations and support systems to protect fighters from such life-threatening situations.
As Musumeci recovers, his story will hopefully spark meaningful discussions about athlete welfare and the practices surrounding weight management in combat sports.