“He is not afraid of being taken down” - ‘Buchecha’ admits he cannot be complacent in grappling exchanges with Amir Aliakbari
It's pretty much a wrap for Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida once he takes the fight to the ground.
After all, the most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete of all time boasts arguably one of the most fearsome grappling acumen ever seen in mixed martial arts.
While 'Buchecha' has the utmost confidence in his ground skills, he admits being extremely wary of his next foe, who comes from a distinguished Greco-Roman wrestling background.
On Nov. 8, live in US Primetime, the Brazilian bruiser will return against the red-hot Amir Aliakbari in a pivotal heavyweight MMA clash at ONE 169 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 17-time BJJ world champion shared in an exclusive ONE Championship interview:
"Amir Aliakbari is dangerous because he has very heavy hands and is a guy who was a Greco Roman World Champion."
The American Top Team and Evolve MMA product continued:
"He is not afraid of being taken down, so I think that makes him more comfortable to strike and throw his punches. That's one of his strengths."
After a 4-1 start to his MMA career, 'Buchecha' will again be met by another stiff challenge against the hulking Iranian, who's on a four-fight winning streak.
Winner of 'Buchecha' vs Amir Aliakbari could be next in line for a heavyweight MMA title shot
'Buchecha' and Amir Aliakbari's titanic showdown could very well become a heavyweight MMA world title eliminator, especially if these two behemoths deliver an emphatic performance.
For sure, the winner will have the opportunity to call out the victor of the card's main event war between triple champion Anatoly Malykhin and 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane for the heavyweight MMA crown.
One thing's for sure, MMA fans shouldn't miss the stacked spectacle inside 'The Mecca of Muay Thai'.
Prime Video subscribers in The United States and Canada can watch ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug free of charge.