“We are both experts in grappling” - BJJ icon ‘Buchecha’ excited to throw down with Greco-Roman wrestler Amir Aliakbari
After more than a year on the shelf, Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida is excited to get back to work.
On Friday, Nov. 8, the 17-time BJJ world champion returns to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand for a high-stakes heavyweight clash with former UWW Greco-Roman Wrestling world champion Amir Aliakbari.
It will be Almeida's first time competing since seeing his unbeaten streak snapped by Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane—the man who will challenge three-division king Anatoly Malykhin for the ONE heavyweight MMA world championship at ONE 169.
With an opportunity to climb back into the win column and reestablish himself as a top heavyweight contender, 'Buchecha' is determined to come out on top against the Iranian powerhouse. Of course, Almeida knows that'll be no easy task against an opponent who's also a very gifted grappler. Speaking to ONE, Almeida said:
"We are both experts in grappling, so it has everything to be a great fight. I'm going to have a great fight against him."
Amir Aliakbari looks to extend unbeaten streak against 'Buchecha' at ONE 169
While 'Buchecha' will be looking to bounce back from his first career loss in MMA, Amir Aliakbari will attempt to extend his unbeaten streak to five in a row.
After losing back-to-back bouts in his first two promotional appearances, Aliakbari has looked practically unstoppable with stoppage wins against Mauro Cerilli, Brandon 'The Truth' Vera, and Dustin Joynson.
His biggest win yet came at ONE 166 in Qatar when he stifled the offense of former ONE world champion Arjan Bhullar. By the time they reached the third round, 'Singh' was so afraid to engage with Aliakbari that referee Herb Dean had no choice, but to disqualify Bhullar.
Will Aliakbari punch his ticket to a title fight against the winner of Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug,' or will Marcus Almeida snap the Iranian's streak and solidify his spot at the top of the contender's list?
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 169: Malykhin vs. ‘Reug Reug’ live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Nov. 8 in U.S. primetime.