The landscape of the UFC`s heavyweight division, currently navigating a post-Jon Jones era with Tom Aspinall established as the undisputed champion, is set to receive a significant new contender. Reports indicate that Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend and former ONE Championship standout, Marcus `Buchecha` Almeida, has officially signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Almeida arrives with considerable fanfare, already earning the moniker from some fans as potentially the `best heavyweight grappler` in mixed martial arts. Given his decorated background, it`s a title that carries weight, even if it hasn`t been fully tested under the bright lights of the Octagon… yet.
Introducing `Buchecha`: A Grappling Phenom Enters MMA
Before transitioning to mixed martial arts, Marcus Almeida was an absolute force in the world of submission grappling. His resume boasts an astonishing seventeen BJJ world championships, a record that places him among the most accomplished competitors in the sport`s history. This level of mat mastery is virtually unprecedented for a heavyweight making the move to MMA`s premier organization.
His foray into professional MMA, primarily with ONE Championship, has been largely successful. Almeida holds a record of 5 wins and 1 loss. His victories include finishes that showcase his grappling pedigree, such as a first-round submission win over former Greco-Roman wrestling world champion Amir Aliakbari. His sole professional defeat came against the formidable Oumar `Reug Reug` Kane, the current ONE heavyweight titleholder. At 35 years old, Almeida is entering the UFC at a point where he has gained cage experience without significant wear and tear.
Octagon Debut Set for UFC Abu Dhabi
Fans eager to see how `Buchecha`s` elite ground game translates against UFC heavyweights won`t have to wait long. According to reports, he is scheduled to make his promotional debut on July 26th at UFC Abu Dhabi. His first assignment in the Octagon will be against Slovakian fighter Martin Buday.
Buday represents a solid, experienced welcome party. He holds a professional record of 15 wins and 2 losses, with a respectable 6-1 run inside the UFC. Buday is currently on a two-fight win streak, having secured decisions over Uran Satybaldiev and, notably, former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. This pairing offers a clear test: can Almeida impose his grappling on a durable UFC veteran who has proven capable of handling established names?
A Stacked Card Awaiting
Almeida`s debut isn`t happening in isolation; he joins a remarkably stacked card in Abu Dhabi. The event is headlined by a compelling middleweight clash between former UFC champion Robert Whittaker and former two-division ONE champion Reinier de Ridder. The co-main event features a high-stakes featherweight bout between undefeated prospect Movsar Evloev and Bellator transplant Aaron Pico. Other notable fights include Petr Yan returning to face Marcus McGhee, Bryce Mitchell moving down to bantamweight against Said Nurmagomedov, and the exciting Shara Magomedov taking on Marc-André Barriault. Being placed on such a prominent card suggests the UFC sees significant potential in `Buchecha` and intends to fast-track him towards relevant matchups.
The addition of Marcus `Buchecha` Almeida injects a fascinating new dimension into the UFC heavyweight picture. While much attention is rightly focused on the division`s strikers and power-based wrestlers, a true submission specialist with his credentials could quickly become a significant problem for many contenders. His journey from BJJ mats to the Octagon is one to watch closely.
Marcus Bellamy