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Marcus Almeida, better known as ‘Buchecha’, is one of the most accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) practitioners of all time. He has won 17 world titles in the sport, dominating his opponents with his superior grappling skills and technique.
But after reaching the pinnacle of BJJ, ‘Buchecha’ decided to challenge himself in a new arena: mixed martial arts (MMA). He signed with ONE Championship, the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and joined the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), one of the best MMA gyms in the world.
However, ‘Buchecha’ soon realized that MMA was a whole different ball game than BJJ. He had to learn how to strike, defend takedowns, and deal with punches and kicks while trying to submit his foes. He had to start from scratch, like a white belt all over again.
“It’s different. A lot of people think that when they go in MMA, they can go in there, double leg and submit their opponent,” ‘Buchecha’ said in a recent interview with fellow Brazilian and UFC fighter Renato Moicano on the Money Moicano Podcast.
“That’s the goal, of course, for every jiu-jitsu fighter but to go there and get or execute what you’re planning to, it’s a different world.”
But ‘Buchecha’ was not deterred by the steep learning curve. He embraced the challenge and worked hard to improve his skills and adapt to the new rules. He also had the benefit of training with some of the best MMA fighters in the world at AKA, such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, and Luke Rockhold.
The results speak for themselves. In his first four MMA fights under the ONE banner, ‘Buchecha’ has been unstoppable. He has finished all of his opponents in the first round, showcasing his improved striking and his lethal jiu-jitsu. He has also shown his durability and heart, overcoming adversity and surviving tough moments.
‘Buchecha’ is now one of the rising stars in ONE’s heavyweight division, which features some of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. He is set to face his toughest test yet on August 4, when he takes on Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane at ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs Grigorian.
Kane is a Senegalese wrestling sensation who has also made a splash in MMA. He has won all four of his fights by knockout or submission, using his immense strength and power to overwhelm his foes. He is also undefeated in his professional wrestling career, where he is known as ‘The Lion of Africa’.
The clash between ‘Buchecha’ and Kane promises to be an explosive affair, as both men are hungry for glory and eager to prove themselves as the best heavyweights in ONE. The winner will move one step closer to a title shot against reigning champion Arjan Bhullar.
The fight will take place at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of a stacked card featuring some of the best kickboxers and Muay Thai fighters in the world. The event will be streamed live on Prime Video for free for subscribers in North America.
If you are a fan of MMA or BJJ, you don’t want to miss this fight. It will be a showcase of skill, power, and heart between two warriors who have made remarkable transitions from one sport to another.
Who do you think will win between ‘Buchecha’ and Kane? Do you think ‘Buchecha’ can become a world champion in MMA like he did in BJJ? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!