Mikey Musumeci accepts Nate Diaz’s challenge: “I would absolutely accept a grappling match”
Mikey Musumeci is no stranger to challenges. However, a surprising name has recently thrown his hat into the ring — none other than Nate Diaz.
The unexpected callout took place during one of Sneako’s vlogs on YouTube, where Diaz openly expressed his desire to face the ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion.
In a video posted on Instagram, “Darth Rigatoni” addressed Diaz’s challenge with his trademark respectful candor.
Instead of engaging in smack talk with the UFC veteran, Musumeci acknowledged the callout and expressed gratitude for being considered by Diaz.
“Wow, so I just learned from my video that Nate Diaz called me out, and in no way am I calling him out right now, this is just me responding to that video,” he said.
“The first thing I’ll say is I’ve always been a huge fan of watching Nick and Nate Diaz in MMA, they’re absolute legends. Amazing grappling, amazing striking, and they’re about that life.”
While Musumeci has been contemplating his professional MMA debut later this year, he made it clear that Diaz wouldn’t be a suitable opponent for him.
“Obviously, I can’t fight Nate in an MMA fight. He would kill me, but I would absolutely accept a grappling match with him since we’re both black belts in jiu-jitsu,” the American grappling phenom said.
“It would be an absolute honor to have the opportunity to face such a legend like Nate.”
Mikey Musumeci ready to face Nate Diaz regardless of weight class
Given their different backgrounds and areas of expertise, the idea of Mikey Musumeci facing Nate Diaz may seem unusual at first glance.
However, this wouldn’t be the first time that Musumeci has crossed paths with a seasoned MMA fighter.
Notably, he defended his ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title against strawweight MMA king Jarred Brooks in August 2023. There, he forced “The Monkey God” to tap with a triangle choke.
Musumeci has also displayed his prowess against larger opponents. His most recent match saw him pitted against Japanese MMA legend Shinya Aoki.
Despite the size difference, Musumeci emerged victorious once again, submitting the former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion with a heel hook.
Although Musumeci and Diaz may be very different in stature, the decorated grappler is making it known that he wouldn’t turn down a showdown against the outspoken Stockton native.
“A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, right? I don’t care about weight class or anything, I would be a hundred percent down to grapple with him,” Musumeci said.
