Mikey Musumeci is getting ready for a huge matchup in his next ONE Championship outing, but that hasn’t stopped him from putting in work with Muay Thai legend Nong-O Hama.

“Darth Rigatoni” is set to face Japanese martial arts icon Shinya Aoki in an openweight submission grappling bout at ONE Fight Night 15 on Friday, October 6.

BJJ stands out in Mikey Musumeci-training camp with Muay Thai legend 

The much-anticipated battle is set to take place inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and will be broadcast live and for free on Prime Video for fans in North America. The grappling sensation is already in Thailand, and he’s been busy training – in more than just canvas-based combat. While he may not be using strikes in his upcoming matchup, Musumeci has taken the opportunity to sharpen his skills in that regard with some of the best practitioners of “the art of eight limbs.”

According to his Instagram page, the flyweight submission grappling king has been training in Muay Thai over the past couple of weeks, and he has spent time sparring with Nong-O, which he says yielded positive results. The former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion also shared that they have trained together, and he spoke fondly of having the chance to work with “Darth Rigatoni.”

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“Mikey just came to practice with me for only one time so far, but we have already made an appointment for the next class,” Nong-O told ONE in a recent interview. “He is a very nice guy. Everyone in the gym was excited to see him.” Apart from Nong-O, Musumeci has also spent time training at PK Saenchai Muaythaigym and got tips from the legendary Trainer Gae as well as former featherweight kickboxing king Superbon Singha Mawynn.

Nong-O Hama has high praise for “Fast Learner” Mikey Musumeci

The 27-year-old has a vast resume in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but he has also discussed training in Muay Thai in his youth. It now looks like he is reconnecting with the sport, and Nong-O praises his abilities. “Seriously, I think Mikey is a fast learner,” he said.

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“I feel that he is so enthusiastic and concentrated. Although his Muay Thai weapons may not be that beautiful right now, his determination will allow him to improve much faster. And soon, everyone will see a tougher version of Mikey, for sure.”