Jiu-jitsu legend Marcus Buchecha signs with UFC and debuts against ranked heavyweight

Marcus Buchecha makes his UFC Abu Dhabi debut. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @marcusbuchecha

The saga is over! After finally being free from his contract with One Championship, Marcos Buchecha, considered a jiu-jitsu legend, is the newest UFC signee. At 35 years old, the Brazilian has his debut scheduled for July 26th against Martin Buday, currently ranked 14th in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg), in an event to be held in Abu Dhabi. The information was revealed by Robert Tellez and confirmed by... SUPER FIGHTS.

New to the world of MMA, Buchecha has a record of five wins and one loss in his short career in the new sport. Known for his offensive style in jiu-jitsu, the American Top Team representative had all of his victories in the first round, with three different types of submissions applied and one via technical knockout.

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On his social media, the fighter expressed his joy at the long-awaited opportunity and his confidence for his UFC Abu Dhabi debut.

“After many years of career and a life dedicated to the sport, I managed to achieve another dream in my life, which was to one day fight in the biggest organization in the world, the UFC.

Of course it was a long journey to get here and it didn't happen overnight, I had many obstacles along the way and “What's in the way, becomes the way.” It was with this thought that I was able to overcome all the difficulties and get here today.

I'm really excited and ready for this new challenge. I'd like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for their support and for always cheering me on. I'd like to thank everyone who has always cheered and continues to cheer on my achievements. You can be sure that I'll be carrying the jiu-jitsu flag with me into the cage again!

Let’s go, let’s go, the time has come!”, posted the athlete.

Martin Buday is Marcus Buchecha's next opponent. Photo: Reproduction/X.

Scheduled for UFC Abu Dhabi, Marcus will step into the octagon on July 26th to face Martin Buday. The event will be headlined by the middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Reiner De Ridder (up to 83,9 kg).

Marcus Buchecha's career in jiu-jitsu

Marcus Buchecha celebrating his victory at ADCC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @marcusbuchecha

• Six IBJJF heavyweight world titles
• Six world titles in the IBJJF absolute category
• Two IBJJF No-Gi World Titles
• Two titles in ADCC