Tammi Musumeci - First American Black Belt BJJ World Champion

Tammi Musumeci is not just any ordinary American BJJ competitor. She has built an incredible reputation as one of the best names in the sport, a reputation that she has earned through her hard work and dedication throughout her near-decade-long career as an elite black belt. What makes her stand out from the crowd is her remarkable ability to defy gender stereotypes in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by men.

Tammi Musumeci's journey in BJJ started at the age of six when she was introduced to the sport by her father. Along with her brother, Mikey Musumeci started competing in the local BJJ tournaments and was soon recognized as a formidable talent.

Tammi enrolled in “Fatjo’s Mixed Martial Arts Academy” in the children’s program. Jerry Fatjo is a BJJ instructor and BJJ Black belt champion. Fatjo introduced a well-dedicated environment of discipline, commitment to goals, motivation, and respect for his students. All these qualities were instilled in Tammi Musumeci from the inception of her grappling career.

At the age of 13, Tammi's family relocated to Florida, allowing her to pursue her athletic ambitions more seriously by engaging in intensive and rigorous Jiu-Jitsu training and competitions. Additionally, she committed herself to frequent drilling sessions with her brother to pursue her passion. 

As a youngster, Tammi dabbled in a plethora of sports, ranging from football (known as soccer) to softball, and basketball. She gave them all a fair shot, but her interest waned over time, and she found herself yearning for something else.

From the moment she stepped onto the mat, Tammi fell in love with the interesting nature of Jiu-Jitsu. There was something about the fluid movements, the intricate techniques, and the physicality of the sport that ignited a fire within her. She couldn't get enough of it.

It’s an exceptional trait of teenagers to follow a successful, brilliant academic life along with a dominant on-mat performance. Tammi, also one of those exceptional children, earned extra credit by taking part in various club societies at her high school.

Tammi Musumeci proved herself an extraordinary grappler as well as a student by clarifying her SAT and AP tests along with BJJ practice. Although, this seems a daunting experience to maintain a dominant place in both curricular and co-curricular activities. However, she was a real testament to “passion is energy” throughout her career. Tammi once clarified her love for Jiu-Jitsu in an interview; 

Following her high school graduation, Tammi enrolled at Nova Southeastern University. Despite her busy academic schedule, she remained committed to her passion for grappling and continued to train at various BJJ academies. Under the mentorship of Emyr Bussade, she maintained a rigorous grappling routine while juggling her studies.

Tammi's exceptional dedication and outstanding performance in BJJ were duly recognized when she was awarded her black belt by Moacir Oliveira at the young age of 19. This achievement proved her unparalleled commitment and hard work in the discipline.

After achieving her black belt, Tammi continued to demonstrate remarkable skill and talent in BJJ. At the young age of 19, she secured a stunning victory in the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship of 2013. Her success did not stop there as she went on to earn two gold medals at the IBJJF Pan Championship in both 2014 and 2017.

Tammi's success in BJJ continued to grow as she progressed through the ranks, earning multiple accolades and titles along the way. She became the first American to win the IBJJF World Championships at the black belt level in 2019 and has since continued to dominate the competition ground. Her achievements in the sport have made her an inspiration to countless young girls and women around the world who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

Less than a year later, she won the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships, cementing herself as a true champion of the elite scene. She continued to dominate the sport, capturing four more IBJJF World Championships, most recently in 2022. Her game is well-rounded, aggressive, and technically refined, making her one of the top BJJ competitors of her generation.

What is even more astonishing about Tammi Musumeci's life journey is that she never once took a break from school or work during her incredible stretch of success at the highest level of BJJ. She graduated from law school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2020, and now practices law full-time while still training and competing in BJJ. Her drive, determination, and work ethic are truly remarkable and inspiring.

Tammi's impressive career continued to soar as she made her promotional debut at the One Fight Night 8 Tournament, where she secured a resounding victory by unanimous decision. Her unwavering determination and hard work in BJJ have undoubtedly translated into success in the world of professional combat sports.

Despite her impressive accomplishments, Tammi Musumeci is far from done. She continues to push herself to new heights and has her sights set on even greater achievements in the grappling world.

Tammi faced Amanda Monteiro in the Final of the 2019 IBJJF World Championship. Tammi defeated Talita Alencar in the semifinals who was the 2017 World Champion and before that she defeated Gezary Matuda who was another renowned world champion.

The amazing thing about this final is that Tammi’s brother, Michael Musumeci was also competing in the Black Belt Rooster Weight final of the same championship. Both brother and sister are renowned as Berimbolo experts. This was a special occasion for both siblings.

Tammi seemed a bit skinnier than she usually looks.

What else could be more inspirational? Tammi has managed to keep the four days of BJJ training amid her study. That was the reason for her weight drop but more power to her.

The fight started, and both competitors embraced each other showing the high spirit of BJJ. Tammi has yet to win the Gi World Championship but she has won No-Gi Worlds. Tammi was facing the third world champion: 2018 World Champion Amanda Monteiro representing the GF team who was in the Blue and Tammi was in the White Gi. Amanda was known for her aggressive scramble and high-intensity competition. Amanda is usually very hard to pin down and she chose to fight from the upper position. So this was expected to be a nail-biting competition.

As Tammi was renowned for her bottom game, she chose to start the match from a bottom position as expected and kept defending every attack of Amanda for the first 5 minutes. Both secured strong grips and finally, Tammi locked Amanda in her invincible guard and then crawled to take the back of Amanda but she failed to secure hooks Amanda broke free from the danger of back take but still found herself in the strong guard of Tammi. Meanwhile, Tammi earned an advantage point. Tammi tried to secure the Kimura grips but did not succeed and transitioned into the open guard.

Seven minutes into the fight both fighters were scrambling, pushing each other while Amanda pinned Tammi down. Tammi’s coach, Caio Terra was in her corner urging Tammi to keep her hips connected with Amanda for not giving her room to break free. The side referee gave one penalty point to Tammi for stalling. Almost one minute remains on the clock and Tammi has one advantage point and one penalty point against zero point of Amanda. The time ended and Tammi Musumeci won her first IBJJF Black Belt World Championship by the close margin of teeth skin.

2019 IBJJF World Champion Tammi Musumeci faced Andreza Morais in the 2021 IBJJF eliminator round. The match started and both fighters instantly attacked the knees of each other Andreza secured her strong Gi grip above the knee of Tammi. She tried to break free, rolled, Andreza rolled with her and it seemed that Andreza secured her grips a bit more and a leg dragged stopped. 

Now it was RETALIATION TIME. Tammi crawled towards the back of Andreza and secured her both hooks, hands locked on the lapel of Andreza for a perfect collar choke, and there you have it. Andreza tapped and Tammi won the 2021 IBJJF World Championship eliminator round of the light featherweight category.

Tammi faced the famous future MMA star Mackenzie Dern in the Semifinal of the 2024 IBJJF World Championship. The fight started and after a minute Mackenzie found herself in the strong guard of Tammi. There was an intense tussle between both fighters for breaking free of the strong Gi grips.

But we know Tammi, she waited for the right moment and crawled towards the back of Mackenzie but she apprehended the danger and secured her back. Both rolled with each other, Tammi still hunting for the back of Mackenzie and with another roll Tammi got it, perfect and smooth, both hooks in but her hands are not placed on the lapels of Dern yet.

Mackenzie resisted the choke and rolled with Tammi a few times, Tammi didn’t lose the back control and finally secured her grip on the lapel of Mackenzie Dern but decided to transition towards the submission, and Mackenzie Tapped.

On the 24th of March 2023, fans from around the world witnessed an epic bout between two Jiu-Jitsu titans - Tammi Musumeci and Bianca Basilio - in the One Championship.

As the fight started, both grapplers came with an unquenchable thirst for victory. Musumeci initiated the first move, quickly attempting a takedown on Basilio. She managed to grip Basilio in a tight guard position, but Basilio can’t be easily subdued. She pressed Musumeci against the podium wall, trying to nullify Musumeci's efforts. Despite Basilio's best attempts to control Musumeci's left leg, Musumeci managed to escape and secured the dominant position.

During this anticipated bout, Musumeci and Basilio tirelessly exchanged takedown attempts, guard passes, and submission attempts, each one eager to secure a definitive victory. But in the end, Musumeci emerged victorious and earned a unanimous decision from the judges.

Tammi Musumeci vs. Bianca Basilio | ONE Championship Full Fight

Tammi Musumeci v Jasmine Rocha / World No-Gi Championship 2022

Tammi Musumeci v Tabatha Ricci / Jiu-Jitsu Con NoGi 2021

Photo Credit: @mikeymusumeci & @onefc