Heavyweight Marcus Buchecha, a ONE Championship veteran and decorated BJJ champ, made his promotional debut at UFC Abu Dhabi opposite Martin Buday.
“Buchecha” (properly Marcus Almeida) struggled to stay active in ONE, where he posted a 5-1 record with his lone loss coming to “Reug Reug,” who would go on to win the ONE Championship heavyweight title.
The fight opened with Buchecha scoring an early single-leg takedown, but Buday showed excellent defense, quickly scrambling and returning to his feet. Buchecha shot in again, but Buday stuffed it with ease. On a third attempt, Buchecha managed to get the fight to the ground by pulling guard, but Buday wasn’t interested in engaging on the mat and backed off, forcing Buchecha to stand.
At this point, it was clear Buchecha wasn’t having the success with his takedowns that he likely expected. Possibly shaken, he was forced to strike more than usual. Both men traded heavy shots, but it was Buday who won the round by neutralizing the BJJ specialist and keeping the fight where he wanted it.
In round two, Buday came forward aggressively, putting pressure on Buchecha. But this time, Buchecha exploded into a deep takedown, finally dragging Buday to the mat. Now in his element, Buchecha passed to half guard and took the back. Still, Buday remained composed, survived the grappling exchange, and even ended the round on top. Though not before taking a number of punches from Buchecha.
The final round saw Buday rock Buchecha early with a clean left hand. He stayed composed, wary of any takedown attempts. A visibly fatigued Buchecha began shooting for telegraphed takedowns, most of which Buday saw coming. Eventually, Buchecha did get in deep on a shot, worked Buday to a knee, and briefly took the back with both hooks in. But Buday fought off the choke, got back to his feet, and reversed position after a sloppy back take attempt. He finished the round on top, landing solid ground and pound to close the fight strong. Going to the judges, Buday took it two rounds to one, no doubt on the strength of a close first and strong third round.
Official Result: Martin Buday def. Marcus Buchecha by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
