Latest news with #ONE169
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Marcus Almeida vs. Martin Buday headed to UFC on ABC 9 in Abu Dhabi
"Buchecha" is UFC-bound. A standout ONE Championship fighter and decorated BJJ star, Marcus Almeida, is aligned for a three-round heavyweight bout vs. Martin Buday at UFC on ABC 9, which takes place July 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Two people with knowledge of the matchup confirmed it to MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Robert Tellez first reported the fight was in the works. In each victory, Almeida (5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has finished his opponents in the opening round; four came by submission, and one by ground-and-pound TKO. "Buchecha" is a multiple-time ADCC and IBJJF grappling champion, and has proven since his MMA debut in 2021, that his skills translate well in the heavyweight division of MMA competition. Almeida, 35, was last in action at ONE 169 in November, where he submitted Amir Aliakbari with a rear-naked choke in the opening round. That fight was the last on his contract, and he opted not to re-sign with the promotion. Prior to the fight, "Buchecha" told MMA Junkie he was frustrated with inactivity. After he completed his first four MMA fights in 11 months, Almeida hoped he could maintain the same level of activity, but the promotion did not meet his expectations. After he submitted Kirill Grishenko at ONE Fight Night 1, Almeida only had two more fights in 26 months. Buday (15-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) aims to extend his winning streak to three after consecutive victories over Andrei Arlovski and Uran Satybaldiev. His lone UFC loss came against Shamil Gaziev in December 2023. With the addition, the UFC on ABC 9 lineup includes:
USA Today
04-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Decorated grappler Marcus Almeida enters free agency after six fights in ONE Championship
One of the most decorated grapplers in MMA is now a free agent. Marcus Almeida, who has spent his entire professional MMA career under the ONE Championship banner, will now test the waters of free agency. Sources familiar with the situation confirmed the news with MMA Junkie. MMA Fighting was the first to report. In each victory, Almeida (5-1) finished his opponents in the opening round; four came by submission, and one by ground and pound TKO. "Buchecha" is a multiple-time ADCC and IBJJF grappling champion, and has proven since his MMA debut in 2021, that his skills translate well in the heavyweight division of MMA competition. Almeida, 35, was last in action at ONE 169 in November, where he submitted Amir Aliakbari with a rear-naked choke in the opening round. That fight was the last on his contract, and he has opted not to re-sign with the promotion. Prior to the fight, "Buchecha" told MMA Junkie he was frustrated with inactivity in ONE. After completing his first four MMA fights in 11 months, Almeida hoped he could maintain the same level of activity, but the promotion did not meet his expectations. After submitting Kirill Grishenko at ONE Fight Night 1, Almeida only had two more fights in 26 months.
