UFC Signs Heavyweight BJJ Legend For Abu Dhabi

UFC Abu Dhabi just gained a master grappler.

According to a first report from Robert Tellez and since confirmed by multiple sources, Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend and former One Championship Heavyweight Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida will be making his Octagon debut on July 26 inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, Dubai. He’ll face off with rising contender Martin Buday, who holds a 6-1 record in the UFC and has won his last two bouts.

This is a quality late addition to an already excellent “Fight Night” event, as well as a much-needed signing for the Heavyweight division. Though Almeida is still young in the fight game, he’s extremely decorated on the mats. Widely considered an all-time great grappler, Almeida has multiple gold medals in ADCC and the BJJ World Championships alike, meaning he reached the pinnacle of both gi and no-gi BJJ. In jiu-jitsu, he’s known for his athletic and aggressive style

In the cage, Almeida has shown good promise as well. He’s 5-1 as a professional, and each of his victories came via finish. All of his bouts took place in One Championship, where his only loss came to their current Heavyweight champion, “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane. Since then, he’s rebounded with a first-round rear naked choke of Amir Aliakbari.

Buday will be the more experienced man, but he’s not a particularly flashy fighter or great finisher. He should serve as a worthy introduction for “Buchecha,” and their Abu Dhabi clash should tell us a lot about the Brazilian’s future with the promotion.