"Doubt me now" - 'Buchecha' sends message to critics after bonus-winning performance at ONE 169

BJJ royalty-turned-heavyweight MMA star Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida silenced a lot of his critics by submitting Amir Aliakbari in the first round at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' this past Friday, Nov. 8, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

During the post-fight press conference, the 17-time BJJ world champion said:

"I think we're gonna celebrate tonight! Thank you so much, Chatri. Feels so good, it feels the best to be here with this opportunity. When I was there fighting a few minutes ago, I was saying 'thank you very much, God, thank you for the opportunity, thank you for letting me be here.' I am enjoying the moment."

He continued:

"That was what's important. I'm here, and I'm happy. I wasn't scared, I was happy for the opportunity. I think it reflected on the result of the fight. And I just have a message for everyone who doubted me - doubt me now."

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Not only did Almeida earn his fifth finish in as many victories under the ONE banner by submitting Aliakbari at ONE 169, but also a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

'Buchecha' lives up to his pre-fight prediction for ONE 169

Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida showcased the extent of his psychic abilities by correctly predicting the outcome of his fight with Amir Aliakbari.

Speaking with ONE days before ONE 169, he said:

"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."

Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE 169 on demand.