“In just one year since he began competing in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA), 17-time Jiu-Jitsu world champion Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida has established himself as a formidable opponent for anyone who is wearing gold at the heavyweight division. The Brazilian grappling expert, competing under the banner of ONE Championship, made quick work of all four of his opponents in his debut year of competition.
“Buchecha” moved into the mixed martial arts scene in 2021, having previously won virtually every gold medal that could be won in competitive jiu-jitsu. He has knocked out Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva, Kang Ji Won, and Simon Carson, and his most recent victim was a former challenger for the ONE Interim Heavyweight World Title, Kirill Grishenko. Every single one in the first round.
Almeida has, in every sense of the word, demonstrated that he is worthy of the praise and mystique that surround his grappling prowess. A scary message was posted on Instagram by the BJJ icon that was directed for all of the other heavyweights competing in ONE:
“I hope that everyone who is in front of me is keeping busy because I will soon be here.”
A terrifying warning all the way through. After a successful first year highlighted by four first-round finishes, ‘Buchecha’ will likely only need one more high-profile victory before he will be eligible for his maiden crack at a world title in mixed martial arts. At this moment, the outcome of the fight for the ONE global heavyweight title is uncertain. Arjan Bhullar, the current king of the division, is scheduled to face Anatoly Makykhin, the interim world champion, at ONE Friday Fights 22 on June 23. This fight will be for the unification title.
In the meanwhile, Almeida is scheduled to compete against the Senegalese monster Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane on August 5 at ONE Fight Night 13. The fight was supposed to take place at ONE 156 in 2017, but it had to be postponed because Kane had to withdraw from the competition due to an injury.
The future of ONE’s heavyweight category at 265 pounds appears to be bright, as it will soon host two major contests. When the year comes to a close, only time will tell which giants will be competing against each other for the gold. Something leads us to believe that one of them will answer to the name ‘Buchecha.’
In North America, viewers will be able to watch ONE Fight Night 13 live and for free on Prime Video. Regarding ONE Friday Fights 22, which will be broadcast live from the illustrious Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Thailand, the event will be available for free viewing on ONE’s official channel on YouTube.
