Discover the remarkable journey of Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, a legendary figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA). This article delves into his early beginnings, unparalleled achievements in BJJ, and his bold transition to professional MMA fighting. From world championships to high-stakes bouts, we’ll explore how Buchecha has redefined excellence in combat sports, inspiring athletes worldwide with his technique, resilience, and dedication.
From Humble Beginnings to BJJ Dominance
Marcus Vinícius Oliveira de Almeida, born on January 8, 1990, in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, entered the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu almost by accident. At just 14 years old, he accompanied his sister to training sessions under their father’s watchful eye, sparking a family passion for the sport. Both Marcus and his father, Clayton, pursued BJJ diligently, with Clayton even claiming an IBJJF Masters World Championship title. Under the guidance of coach Rodrigo Cavaca at the Checkmat team, Almeida earned his nickname “Buchecha,” a playful nod to his once-chubby cheeks during his overweight youth.
Buchecha’s ascent in BJJ was meteoric. As a black belt, he became a multiple-time World Jiu-Jitsu champion and ADCC submission fighting victor, amassing an astonishing record that includes 17 IBJJF World titles across various weight classes and absolute divisions. His technical prowess, particularly in guard passing and submissions like the north-south choke, set him apart. Buchecha’s rivalry with fellow BJJ icon Roger Gracie produced some of the most memorable matches in the sport’s history, showcasing his strategic depth and physical dominance. This foundation not only built his reputation as one of the greatest BJJ practitioners ever but also prepared him for the rigors of professional combat sports, where adaptability and mental fortitude are paramount.
Transition to MMA and Professional Milestones
Building on his BJJ mastery, Buchecha transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2020, signing with ONE Championship after years of contemplation. Training at the prestigious American Kickboxing Academy, he adapted his grappling expertise to incorporate striking and wrestling, debuting in the heavyweight division. His first fight against Anderson “Braddock” Silva in September 2021 ended in a swift first-round north-south choke victory, highlighting his seamless integration of BJJ into MMA.
Subsequent bouts solidified his status: a rear-naked choke win over Kang Ji Won, a technical knockout against Simon Carson, and a heel hook submission of Kirill Grishenko, earning him Performance of the Night honors. Despite setbacks like a unanimous decision loss to Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane and an injury-plagued schedule, Buchecha’s resilience shone through. In 2024, he submitted Amir Aliakbari in the first round at ONE 169, securing a $50,000 bonus. His recent move to the UFC in 2025, though starting with a loss to Martin Buday, underscores his ongoing evolution. This chapter of his career demonstrates how Buchecha’s BJJ roots provide a competitive edge in MMA, blending ground control with explosive power to challenge top heavyweights.
In summary, Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida’s story is one of transformation from a reluctant teen trainee to a BJJ legend and MMA contender. His early family-driven start fueled a dominant grappling career, paving the way for MMA successes marked by submissions and perseverance. As he continues in the UFC, Buchecha inspires aspiring fighters to embrace versatility and hard work. Ultimately, his legacy reminds us that true mastery in combat sports comes from passion, adaptation, and an unyielding spirit.
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