Marcus Almeida “Buchecha”

Transition to MMA and ONE Championship Success

Marcus Almeida, widely recognized as "Buchecha," transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2021, joining the heavyweight division of ONE Championship. He immediately showcased the effectiveness of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) pedigree, securing four consecutive first-round submission victories. His debut was particularly notable, featuring a perfectly executed north-south choke that underscored the fundamental applicability of BJJ in MMA competition. Buchecha attributes this early success to his aggressive grappling approach, a mindset cultivated since his competitive days as a blue belt.

Cross-Training and Development at American Top Team

Relocation and Skill Expansion

To further develop his MMA skill set, Buchecha relocated to Florida, joining the renowned American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek. Inspired by ATT's proven track record with grappling-based champions such as Amanda Nunes, he prioritized enhancing his striking and wrestling abilities.

Mentorship and Wrestling Integration

At ATT, Buchecha embraced a dual role—mentoring teammates in grappling while simultaneously absorbing striking techniques from experienced MMA fighters. Training extensively with elite wrestlers, including Olympic-level athletes, significantly elevated his takedown proficiency. Buchecha consistently emphasizes the strategic advantage of integrating wrestling with BJJ, a formula he adopted during his brown belt years and continues to utilize effectively in MMA.

Mentorship and Leadership Role with Checkmat

Although no longer actively competing in BJJ tournaments, Buchecha remains deeply connected to his original grappling team, Checkmat. Serving as both mentor and ambassador, he regularly corners and advises Checkmat competitors at major events. Notably, he coached Lucas Leite at Masters Worlds and provided strategic guidance to younger Checkmat black belts during the 2022 IBJJF World Championship. Buchecha maintains a close relationship with Checkmat founder Leo Vieira, his longtime mentor and coach. Additionally, he actively conducts seminars with Almeida Jiu-Jitsu, his family's affiliation in São Paulo, and has expressed plans to establish a Checkmat academy in Florida when his MMA schedule allows.

Documentary Release: 'Buchecha – Far Beyond World Records'

In September 2023, Buchecha premiered the documentary "Buchecha – Far Beyond World Records" at IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Con. The film chronicles his extraordinary BJJ career, highlighting his intense rivalry with Roger Gracie, relentless work ethic, and resilience in overcoming significant injuries, including ACL tears in 2015. By releasing this documentary, Buchecha aims to preserve and share valuable lessons from his grappling journey with fans and practitioners alike. His decision to debut the film at a dedicated BJJ event underscores his enduring commitment to the jiu-jitsu community.

Grappling Style: Pressure, Pace, and Submission Focus

Buchecha is renowned for his aggressive, forward-moving grappling style, characterized by relentless pressure and an unusually high pace for an ultra-heavyweight competitor. His approach draws inspiration from grappling legends such as Ricardo Arona, known for his physical dominance in ADCC competitions, as well as technical masters like Marcelo Garcia and Roger Gracie. Buchecha consistently emphasizes the importance of imposing one's game and actively pursuing submissions, a philosophy he developed early in his career and continues to instill in the younger grapplers he mentors.

Commitment to BJJ Roots Amid MMA Career

Following his first MMA defeat against decorated wrestler Reug Reug in August 2023, Buchecha publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as his foundational strength. Recognizing strategic lessons from the bout, he refocused his training on grappling and wrestling, reinforcing his belief that "jiu-jitsu practitioners with strong wrestling skills can control MMA fights." Buchecha continues to prioritize his BJJ identity, consistently highlighting grappling as the cornerstone of his MMA strategy.

Personal Growth and Reinvention as Martial Artist

Throughout his martial arts journey, Buchecha has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and personal growth. After achieving significant success in gi competitions, he transitioned seamlessly to no-gi grappling, notably capturing the open-class title at the 2019 ADCC World Championship. Now settled in the United States and married, Buchecha frequently reflects on the profound impact Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has had on his life. His humility and openness to acquiring new skills in MMA inspire practitioners to step outside their comfort zones and embrace continuous evolution as martial artists.