Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida is living his best life. The multiple-time BJJ world champion shared images before and after his last fight against Kiril Grishenko, comparing his demeanor.
Almeida stated that the thrill of victory is like an addiction that gives him life. Take a look at his statement of motivation below, posted to his Instagram:
Those moments that words can't describe, the one before the fight and the one after the victory! Sensations that make us addicted and keep us alive!
In MMA, ‘Buchecha’ has only ever felt feelings of victory, standing at 4-0. Specialists in other martial arts can experience mixed success when transitioning to MMA, but Almeida has figured out how to apply his strengths well.
He’s fought formidable competition through his first four professional MMA fights, with his opponents having a combined record of 15-3. Fighters turning pro hardly ever fight good competition early in their careers, and Almeida has not only won but finished each opponent in the first round.
What lies on the horizon for the intimidating Brazilian heavyweight?
Realistically, there are very few men standing in between Almeida and a world title shot. Kang Ji Won, Mauro Cerilli, and Amir Aliakbari are legitimate threats to the world title, and one of them could likely be ‘Buchecha’s next foe.
‘Buchecha’ may have “soft retired” from grappling, but there is one exception that would bring him back to the mats again.
After accomplishing all that can be achieved in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Almeida made the transition to MMA in 2021. He seems content to stay there, but in an interview with SCMP MMA, ‘Buchecha’ named Gordon Ryan as the one guy he wants to face:
"If we do get the opportunity to fight, it would be great to fight against him for sure. I think it would be the only fight that makes sense for me in terms of ‘Would you be willing to fight grappling again?’ Of course, I would, but the only name that would make me interested to fight would be against him for sure. Everybody else, not really."
Gordon Ryan was the last man to grapple with Marcus Almeida, as the two met in the ADCC World Championship in 2019. Ryan won on negative points, and it sounds like the Brazilian is itching to get that one back.
Could we see this grappling mega-fight happen in the circle? It may not happen in the immediate future, but it’s no doubt a match that has all invested parties and fans interested.
