Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Marcus Buchecha, after overcoming contractual challenges and considering retirement, is set to make his UFC debut against Martin Buday on July 26 in Abu Dhabi, marking a new chapter in his career.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Marcus Buchecha is set to make his octagon debut on July 26 at UFC Abu Dhabi. But the journey to this moment was anything but straightforward.
At one point, Buchecha considered ending his career due to a feud with his previous promotion, ONE Championship. The 13-time IBJJF world champion transitioned to MMA in 2021, leaving behind a storied grappling career.
Signing with ONE, he quickly made a name for himself, achieving a 4-0 record with four first-round finishes. Then, the unexpected happened.
Buchecha faced a setback, losing a decision to future heavyweight champion “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane after a year-long hiatus. Another 15-month break followed before he submitted Amir Aliakbari, ending his contract with ONE.
“It was hard to get out of that contract, but we did it,” Buchecha shared with MMA Fighting. Now, he’s free and excited to fight without the backstage stress that plagued him.
His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, played a crucial role in navigating this transition. Buchecha expressed gratitude but also frustration over the lack of fight opportunities during his time with ONE.
Retirement crossed his mind more than once. “Not having a fight and not being able to fight,” he lamented. But now, he’s ready for new challenges.
After completing his six-fight contract, he had to endure an eight-month wait. “I knew there would be something out there for me,” he said, focusing on the UFC as his ultimate goal.
Now, Buchecha is set to debut under the bright lights of the UFC in Abu Dhabi, a city where he’s shined as a grappler. “When they said the UFC wanted to sign me, I said, ‘I don’t even want to know when and against who, get me a fight,’” he recalled.
Facing Martin Buday, a seasoned UFC veteran, Buchecha acknowledges the challenge ahead. “I’m driven by challenges,” he said, eager to take on what he calls the biggest challenge of his career.