On Thursday night at UFC BJJ 5, Mikey Musumeci successfully defended his bantamweight title against Shay Montague, demonstrating a calculated and patient approach that culminated in a rapid ankle lock submission. The event, which also featured a middleweight title bout, highlighted Musumeci’s decision to focus on top control and wrestling before engaging in leg attacks.
Musumeci entered the match signaling a change in tactics by wearing a Dagestani style chin strap, emphasizing his plan to avoid rushing leg attacks and instead assert control from the top. The first round reflected this strategy as both competitors cautiously navigated for position without committing to risky maneuvers. Montague’s repeated attempts to secure leg entries were met with Musumeci’s restraint and composure, and despite Montague indicating discomfort in his leg between rounds, the contest remained closely contested initially.
A Sudden Submission Concludes a Measured Battle
The second round saw increased activity, with Musumeci advancing past Montague’s guard while still respecting the threat of leg attacks. Montague momentarily trapped a leg, forcing Musumeci to retreat and reset, but as leg exchanges resumed, Musumeci capitalized on the opportunity by swiftly locking in an ankle lock, forcing Montague to tap out almost immediately. The calm approach gave way to an abrupt finish, underscoring Musumeci’s readiness to seize openings without rushing unnecessarily.
Following the victory, Musumeci reflected on his performance and the tactics he employed. He described the win as “a little bittersweet,” explaining,
“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.”
He also acknowledged the difficulty of controlling Montague’s flexible guard, saying,
“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.”
and emphasized his intention behind this new approach:
“This match I wanted to do something new and be out there longer.”
Musumeci Calls Out Arman Tsarukyan for Future Grappling Match
After maintaining his championship, Musumeci expressed interest in expanding his competitive scope by issuing a grappling challenge to UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan had previously called out actor Tom Hardy for a grappling match, which never materialized. Musumeci offered to fill that role and meet Tsarukyan at his weight class for a match, bringing a level of authenticity in grappling competition that he implied has been lacking from Tsarukyan’s prior challenges.
He stated,
“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.”
This challenge could open new doors for Musumeci beyond his bantamweight division and bring heightened attention to grappling contests featuring UFC athletes.
Additional Highlights From UFC BJJ 5
The rest of the UFC BJJ 5 card featured several decisive finishes across various weight classes. Ronaldo Junior retained his middleweight title by winning a decision against Tarik Hopstock. Andy Murasaki secured an armbar submission over Andy Varela in the first round, while Rebeca Lima claimed victory with an ankle lock in the second round. Early in the evening, Jalen Fonacier set a record with a swift heel hook submission against Carlos Oliveira, signaling a night filled with technical prowess and quick finishes.
Musumeci’s Tactical Shift and Its Implications
This event highlighted Musumeci’s evolution as a competitor, as he opted to extend the duration of his match and explore broader techniques rather than seeking immediate finishes. His ability to stay composed in challenging positions and adjust his game plan reflects a strategic maturity that could enhance his longevity and reputation in the sport. By openly challenging Arman Tsarukyan, Musumeci signals a willingness to expand his competitive horizons, potentially drawing more crossover interest from the MMA world into grappling-focused events.
Fans and analysts will likely watch closely to see if Tsarukyan accepts the challenge and how Musumeci continues to develop his style moving forward, possibly bridging the worlds of traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and UFC grappling competition more directly than before.
When Mikey hit the Mikey lock 🔒
Will @MusumeciBJJ get another quick finish at #UFCBJJ5?
[ Live and FREE on YouTube | FEB 12 THU | 8pmET ] pic.twitter.com/YyhQwsI1B7
— UFC BJJ (@ufcbjj) February 9, 2026
