“A good opponent” - Amir Aliakbari not taking ‘Buchecha’ lightly ahead of heavyweight clash at ONE 169
Iranian heavyweight MMA sensation Amir Aliakbari knows he's going up against one of the toughest opponents of his career thus far, and he's making sure no stone is left unturned in his preparations.
Aliakbari is set to face Brazilian jiu-jitsu icon Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida this weekend, and the AAA Team representative is confident he can overcome his esteemed opponent's vaunted grappling.
Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Aliakbari shared his thoughts on 'Buchecha's' strengths and weaknesses.
The 36-year-old Greco-Roman wrestling champion said:
"Marcus is a good opponent and I have to be more careful with his jiu-jitsu. His strength is his jiu-jitsu and his weakness is his striking."
Amir Aliakbari of Iran is ready to square off with Brazil's Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida in a three-round heavyweight MMA tilt with tremendous world title implications.
The two lock horns at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Prime Video, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 8.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.
Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida envisions early finish of Amir Aliakbari: "I'd like to end the fight before three rounds"
Although BJJ icon Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida knows anything can happen at the highest level of competition, and against such a dangerous foe in Iran's Amir Aliakbari at ONE 169 on Prime Video, he's also confident he can get the job done quickly and effectively.
'Buchecha' is eyeing a quick finish of Aliakbari in their heavyweight MMA clash this weekend, one that will put him in pole position for the next crack at the division's throne.
The 34-year-old American Top Team/Evolve MMA representative stated:
"It's hard to make a prediction but if possible, I'd like to end the fight before three rounds, either by submission or knockout. I've trained a lot for this. And I see that the fight could end in either of these ways."