A couple of weeks ago, Mikey Musumeci issued a “challenge” to the Sambo world champion for a grappling match. Now, there is an answer to Mikey, from the number 1 ranked Sambo competitor, Taylor Weber. We would definitely want to see this match!
The Mikey Musumeci Challenge
Mikey Musumeci is such a nice guy that he made more of a polite request than a challenge if we’re being honest. However, after winning the flyweight ONE Championship submission grappling title, Mikey did issue a challenge to the Sambo world champion (in his weight class) for a potential style vs. style grappling match.
In the video, Mikey quotes Khabib saying “If Sambo was easy it would be called Jiu-Jitsu”. He goes on to say that there should be BJJ vs. Sambo matchups and offers to start himself, by fighting the Sambo world champion in his weight class in order to determine which is superior in the submission grappling format.
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Taylor Weber’s Response
Not long after Mikey’s challenge/request, a Sambo practitioner by the name of Taylor Weber responded via a video. Taylor is the Pan American 64kg sport Sambo Champion and ranked as the number 1 in the world at 64 kg. Curiously, he shares the number 1 ranking with two other people, but that is beside the point.
Taylor’s response would’ve gone largely unnoticed if it wasn’t for Chael Sonne, who pointed out that there is an answer in an episode of “Beyond The Fight“.
In the response video, Taylor quotes his accomplishments and asks Mikey Musumeci for the when and where, after they discuss the ruleset.
BJJ vs. Sambo
The rulesets of Sambo and BJJ are quite different, so Taylor’s request is a legitimate one. Mikey is proficient at both Gi and No-Gi, whereas in Sambo athletes wear only a Gi jacket and shorts. Things like attire, illegal moves, etc would definitely have to be worked out as Sambo, for example, does not allow choke holds.
That said, there is an exciting similar matchup happening in One, with Kade Ruotolo facing Sambo (and Judo) champion Uali Kurzhev in a battle for the inaugural One Championship Lightweight submission grappling title next weekend (October 21).
