“He’s a Winner” – Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida Gets Approval From Heavyweight Kings Arjan Bhullar and Anatoly Malykhin
Follow Us
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida has been flawless since switching to mixed martial arts, and his talents have been noticed by everyone, including ONE’s heavyweight kings.
Ahead of the 17-time BJJ World Champion’s return at ONE 158: Tawanchai vs. Larsen this Friday, 3 June, both Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin and Arjan “Singh” Bhullar believes the Brazilian martial artist has what it takes to shine on the global stage.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Reigning ONE Heavyweight World Champion Bhullar, who underwent a similar transition to his peer, believes the heavyweight upstart is at the right place to take his skill set to a new level.
“‘Buchecha’ is coming along. Even in jiu-jitsu, it was MMA-friendly jiu-jitsu where he liked his takedowns. He wasn’t a pulling guard type of guy. He’s a physical guy. So then coming into MMA, he’s hooked up with a good team with ATT,” the Indian star pointed out.
He, however, warned that the all-encompassing sport might provide the American Top Team and Evolve MMA star a couple of tough tests.
But should Almeida succeed, “Singh” admits it will only cement the former’s status as a clear contender to the throne in the near future.
Demetrious Johnson Foresees a Kairat Akhmetov Bout, Backs Him Against Tatsumitsu Wada at ONE 158
“This is MMA. He’s only a few fights in and unproven in my opinion. So, it remains to be seen [whether he’s the best grappler in the sport]. Let’s see if he’s able to duplicate that in the world of MMA,” the 36-year-old added.
“He’s a winner – he’s been winning for a long time – and a great athlete. That would definitely be a fight that interests me and gets me excited.”
Another heavyweight colossal who will have his eyes on “Buchecha” is none other than ONE Interim Heavyweight World Champion, Malykhin.
The interim champion is uncertain about Marcus Almeida but anticipates a future bout
The Russian slugger, who spots a perfect 11-0 resume, would love to throw it down against Almeida at some point, only if he continues his trajectory in the organization’s 120.2kg division.
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“We need to see him fighting a top-class grappler or wrestler. He has not faced anyone with good takedown defense. So far, his opponents have been mainly good strikers (Kang Ji Won and Anderson “Braddock” Silva),” the 34-year-old offered.
Trending
Restricted by NFL Contract, Simone Biles Reveals if Jonathan Owens Will Attend Paris Olympics 2024
April 17, 2024 09:03 PM EDT
Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized Possession That Forced Relocation Move
April 17, 2024 12:29 PM EDT
Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series
April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT
Silencing Nike Chaos, Sha’Carri Richardson’s Historic Move With Sprite Puts Her in 96-Year-Old Inner Circle for Olympics
April 18, 2024 10:20 PM EDT
Kevin Harvick Reveals His Deliberately Reckless Move to See Out $228 Billion Sponsor
April 18, 2024 09:25 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I wish him to continue having a winning streak until he meets me in the ring. I will fight to unify the belts soon, so let’s see how soon ‘Buchecha’ and I can meet. You can send me the contract any time, I am ready.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
BJJ Legend Marcus Buchecha Analyzes the Potential Arjan Bhullar vs. Anatoly Malykhin ONE Heavyweight Unification Title Bout
Should the Brazilian fighter amass his third win inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium at the expense of Australian martial artist Simon Carson, he will push himself as the clear contender for the gold.
Edited by:
Paras Pande