Former ONE Championship grappling champion Mikey Musumeci has made history by signing an exclusive deal to compete at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, where he will headline the Dec. 5 show in Las Vegas against Felipe Machado. Machado is determined to steal the spotlight during UFC 310 fight week and has his sights set on spoiling Musumeci’s party.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Machado expressed his excitement about Dana White’s involvement in the Fight Pass Invitational, stating that when White gets involved, things happen. As a leg lock specialist with gold medals in the IBJJF Brazilian and South American no-gi championships, Machado is confident in his abilities and unphased by pressure.
Contrastingly, Musumeci admitted to feeling immense pressure as the card was essentially built around him. Machado, on the other hand, thrives under pressure and sees the opportunity to headline a UFC card as a life-changing moment in his career.
Despite the perceived pressure on Musumeci, Machado believes that it may lead his opponent to make mistakes during their match. With two game plans prepared, Machado is confident in his ability to capitalize on any errors Musumeci might make under pressure.
Machado’s focus is on delivering a strong performance rather than solely on winning. He values the importance of leaving a lasting impression, even in defeat, and believes that a good performance is more valuable than a victory without substance.
Unlike Musumeci, Machado did not sign an exclusive deal with the UFC, making a victory over his opponent crucial for boosting his value as a free agent. While he acknowledges the pay gap between himself and Musumeci, Machado is optimistic about the potential for increased earnings based on the success of the event.
As the UFC Fight Pass Invitational approaches, all eyes are on the headline bout between Musumeci and Machado, with both fighters aiming to make a statement in the grappling world.