Mikey Musumeci Defends Title, Issues Arman Tsarukyan Grappling Challenge

Musumeci showcases tactical shift in title defense, then calls out UFC fighter Tsarukyan for high-stakes grappling match.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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At UFC BJJ 5, Mikey Musumeci successfully defended his bantamweight title against Shay Montague, demonstrating a more measured approach focused on top control and wrestling before engaging in leg attacks. After the win, Musumeci issued a grappling challenge to UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan, offering to compete against him at Tsarukyan's weight class.

Why it matters

Musumeci's tactical shift and willingness to expand his competitive scope beyond his usual bantamweight division could open new doors for him in the sport of grappling. A potential match against Tsarukyan would bring heightened attention to grappling contests featuring UFC athletes, potentially bridging the worlds of traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA-focused grappling.

The details

Musumeci entered the match against Montague wearing a Dagestani-style chin strap, signaling a change in tactics. He focused on top control and wrestling, avoiding rushing into leg attacks. The first round was closely contested, but in the second round, Musumeci capitalized on an opportunity to lock in a swift ankle lock submission. After the victory, Musumeci expressed a desire to do more passing and finish the match in the pass, acknowledging the difficulty of controlling Montague's flexible guard.

  • On Thursday night at UFC BJJ 5, Musumeci successfully defended his bantamweight title.

The players

Mikey Musumeci

The defending UFC BJJ bantamweight champion who successfully defended his title against Shay Montague.

Shay Montague

Musumeci's opponent in the bantamweight title fight, known for his flexible and difficult-to-control guard.

Arman Tsarukyan

A UFC fighter who Musumeci has challenged to a grappling match in Tsarukyan's weight class.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to do more passing. I think I passed him twice. But I wanted to finish in the pass. I felt like I got that foot lock really fast.”

— Mikey Musumeci, UFC BJJ Bantamweight Champion

“Shay's guard is incredible, he's like a human pretzel, so bendy. Eventually I got through. I did play top this match, it was just fun for me working something new and just not finishing the match immediately.”

— Mikey Musumeci, UFC BJJ Bantamweight Champion

“This match I wanted to do something new and be out there longer.”

— Mikey Musumeci, UFC BJJ Bantamweight Champion

“My friend Tom Hardy, Arman called out for a grappling match. At the time he was a purple belt. He called out a hobbyist purple belt for a grappling match. How about he competes against a jiu jitsu person in a grappling match? I'll go up to his weight class, and we do a grapple match. That will be fun.”

— Mikey Musumeci, UFC BJJ Bantamweight Champion

What’s next

This challenge could open new doors for Musumeci beyond his bantamweight division and bring heightened attention to grappling contests featuring UFC athletes.

The takeaway

Musumeci's tactical shift and willingness to expand his competitive scope reflect a strategic maturity that could enhance his longevity and reputation in the sport. His challenge to Arman Tsarukyan signals a desire to bridge the worlds of traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA-focused grappling.