The 3 most wicked submissions in Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida's vast BJJ arsenal
It's not surprising that Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida' has made a seamless transition to mixed martial arts.
Arguably the most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete of all time, the 17-time BJJ world champion has every imaginable submission at his disposal. Those who dared to take the fight to the ground with 'Buchecha' have learned this the hard way and were left no choice but to tap or nap, or tap or snap.
The 34-year-old legend's long-awaited return finally has a date at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8 at Lumpinee Stadium.
Before 'Buchecha' tussles with Iran's Amir Aliakbari, let's take a look at three of his most dangerous submission attacks.
3. Armbars from anywhere
Armbars are pretty much a staple in BJJ, and we know 'Buchecha' has mastered this simple but highly effective technique down to a tee.
The American Top Team and Evolve MMA standout can hit this elbow-snapping hold from his vaunted guard or while exerting immense pressure from his top game.
While we have yet to see the 34-year-old icon use this in an MMA match, he used this versatile weapon to conquer the BJJ world, including finishes over fellow BJJ world champions Felipe Pena and Felipe Andrew.
2. Crushing rear-naked choke
'Buchecha' is a wizard when it comes to taking the back. Once he secures his hooks, it doesn't take long for the Brazilian grappler to get under the chin and secure the tap.
The sheer nastiness of 'Buchecha's RNC was on full display in his match with tough Korean brawler Kang Ji Won at ONE: Winter Warriors in 2021.
The BJJ royalty got a hold of 'Mighty Warrior's neck and used a gable grip to apply a frightening squeeze to notch the victory in under a round.
1. Devastating heel hook
What makes 'Buchecha's' ground game so terrifying is the fact that he doesn't neglect the lower half of the body.
The grappling legend mostly competed in IBJJF rule sets where heel hooks are banned. With all leg locks available on the table in MMA, it's never wise to leave your limbs near 'Buchecha's vicinity.
Former heavyweight MMA world title challenger Kirill Grishenko learned this lesson at ONE on Prime Video 1 back in 2022.
The Belarusian giant barely lasted a minute once the Brazilian dove for his legs, went for the ashi garami position, and nearly took his knee home with a brutal twisting motion to get the tap.