What’s next for Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida? 

Heavyweight MMA star Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida got back on track in stunning style at ONE 169, and he’s eager to keep the ball rolling.   

The 17-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion used his submission expertise to choke out Amir Aliakbari with a first-round rear-naked choke last Friday, November 8. And after setting the record straight inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium, Almeida is focused on what’s next.  

Certainly, his eyes are on the gold. And that would mean a rematch with newly minted ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane.  

The Brazilian met the Senegalese standout at ONE Fight Night 13 in August 2023, losing a grueling three-rounder that ultimately decided the next challenger for Anatoly Malykhin. 

Kane then stripped Malykhin of his ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title in ONE 169’s main event. And given that “Buchecha” has established himself once more as a top name in the division, a rematch against Kane with the crown up for grabs could well be in his future.

But if Kane isn’t next, Almeida could lock horns with Malykhin. Although the Russian has made it clear that he wants an immediate rematch with “Reug Reug,” the heavyweight MMA division is thriving, and new faces are emerging. 

“Buchecha” is right near the top of the heap of contenders. His dominant performance over Aliakbari showcased that. But the idea of Almeida and Malykhin colliding would certainly excite fans.

Marcus Almeida wants ONE World Title opportunity after ONE 169

Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida ran through Amir Aliakbari this past Friday, November 8, at ONE 169. And he believes there’s only one place to go next. 

In fact, he thinks he’s more than qualified to challenge for the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship. 

ONE 169’s rear-naked choke victory was Almeida’s fifth stoppage. And now that he’s rebounded from his defeat to Kane last year, Almeida seeks revenge of the highest order by sweeping the Senegalese star off the throne before his reign even gets going.