Buchecha set to focus on MMA and retire from the Gi
It looks like Marcus “Buchecha“ Almeida is about to begin his MMA career. Buchecha appears to have grown tired of pulling collars and pant grips. The 13x IBJJF World Champion has signed with Dominance MMA. Dominance MMA is owned by the infamous MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz. Abdelaziz manages renowned fighters such as Henry Cejudo, Justin Gaethje, Kamaru Usman, Frankie Edgar and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Abdelaziz’s involvement with the grappling world doesn’t end with managing some of the best wrestlers in the game. He is also a bjj black belt and he even had a few professional MMA fights as well.
Sources have confirmed that Buchecha is set to retire from Gi competitions to focus on MMA. Playing coy, the ultra-heavyweight behemoth hasn’t officially confirmed the MMA rumors yet. However, he hinted at the possibility with a post on social media. Ali Abdelaziz himself confirmed the news on an instagram post.
Dominance MMA is a powerful management company with a lot of leverage. Over the next few years we will see if Buchecha’s decision to sign with Dominance MMA pays off. Based on the success of Abdelaziz’s other big name stars it is a safe bet Buchecha will be financially secure a few years from now. Most high-level grapplers get game opponents as soon as they enter the MMA world. Grappling fans will be waiting on the edge of their seats to see if the folding pass king does us proud.
Expectations from Buchecha in MMA
The grappling world will be fascinated to watch Buchecha’s MMA career develop. His jiu jitsu style should translate well to mma. His takedown heavy style, his atheticism and his top of the food chain jiu jitsu will make him extremely dangerous. As usual, the question is his striking acumen. Understanding this skill set may make or break his MMA career Buchecha has hired striking mastermind, Jason Parillo, as his striking coach. Parillo coaches some of the best strikers in the game. Michael Bisping, Chris Cyborg, BJ Penn and others are students of Parillo. It appears Buchecha is in good hands.
MMA management teams don’t disclose athlete payouts but you can bet your bottom dollar Buchecha is going to earn significantly more than he has as a jiu jitsu competitor. Perhaps due to the lack of prize money Buchecha will stop competing in the Gi. However, inside sources say he will still compete in No Gi super fights and ADCC events.
The question for MMA fans is: will Buchecha use his grappling skills to aggressively hunt submissions (à la Garry Tonon’s MMA strategy) or will he opt for the takedown, to top control, to ground-and-pound model? Either way, the reality of one of the greatest jitz players to ever compete throwing his hat into the MMA arena is a dream come true for grappling fans. Stay tuned for his debut grappling insiders!
