Mikey Musumeci now has a new opponent for his first ONE Championship title-defence, as Combat Sambo World Champion Gantamur Bayanduuren has stepped in on short notice. Originally Musumeci was scheduled to compete against Sayan Khertek, a two-time Sport Sambo world champion, at ONE on Prime Video 6 on January 13th, 2023. Unfortunately, Khertek has been forced to withdraw from the title-fight and ONE Championship have now had to find a replacement on roughly two week’s notice.
Bayanduuren is one of a handful of men on the planet who would be the ideal replacement for Khertek against Musumeci, as they are both well-respected and talented Sambo world champions. The only difference is that one competes in Sport Sambo whereas the other competes in Combat Sambo, although its unlikely that this makes any difference to Musumeci’s gameplan. At least Musumeci still gets his wish, as he has issued a public challenge to any and all Sambo world champions shortly after he became the ONE Championship Flyweight Submission Grappling world champion.
Musumeci won his ONE Championship belt back at ONE on Prime Video 2, where he defeated fellow BJJ black belt Cleber Sousa by unanimous decision. Despite fighting for a title, this was actually only Musumeci’s second match in the ONE Championship cage. He made his debut for the promotion against Japanese MMA and BJJ legend Masakazu Imanari, submitting him with a rear-naked choke at ONE 156 and collecting a $50,000 ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus. While Mikey Musumeci has only had two matches since he first signed a contract for ONE Championship back in March 2022, he has impressed the fans in every performance and will no doubt look to make short work of Gantamur Bayanduuren when they meet.
The full ONE on Prime Video 6 event, including Mikey Musumeci attempting to defend his ONE Championship Flyweight Submission Grappling title against Combat Sambo world champion Gantamur Bayanduuren, will be available to watch live on January 13th on Amazon Prime, click here to subscribe and watch.
