Marcus Buchecha lastly re-enters the ONE Championship ring on Friday to face Amir Aliakbari in Bangkok in what could possibly be his final stroll to the ring in Asia
Talking with MMA Preventing forward of ONE 169, the jiu-jitsu legend mentioned the winner of his conflict with Aliakbari might decide who’s subsequent in line for the heavyweight belt—on the road later that evening between Anatoly Malykhin and “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane. Nevertheless, as it’s the last bout of Buchecha’s contract with the group, he won’t stick round to search out out.
“This battle will give me leverage,” Buchecha mentioned, “So I’ll focus 100% on this battle after which focus on higher phrases. That is the objective.”
Buchecha publicly complained a few lack of fights in early September, saying “I’ve been out ready for a battle for nearly one 12 months.” The Brazilian heavyweight has been inactive since August of 2023, when he suffered his first loss within the sport in opposition to “Reug Reug.” ONE booked him versus Aliakbari shortly after his put up.
Requested if his lengthy layoff will likely be considered when he has to determine whether or not or not re-sign with ONE, Buchecha mentioned “you possibly can’t cry over spilled milk,” noting he’s totally targeted on the duty forward of him.
“I hope to speak to you once more on Saturday and undoubtedly speak concerning the future, however my objective proper now could be Friday,” Buchecha mentioned. “It clearly wasn’t my determination [to stay out for over a year] however I used to be within the fitness center, coaching and evolving in each facet as an athlete on the ft, in wrestling, in jiu-jitsu. I really feel a significantly better fighter now than I used to be final time I entered the ring.
“The precise battle [with Kane] was an excellent expertise. I received’t be a hypocrite and say it was the outcome I wished, in fact not, nevertheless it turned out to be nice expertise. After that battle, plus the 15 months [of training], it added rather a lot to my profession as a MMA athlete. I realized rather a lot a few Buchecha I didn’t know. It was good to study to manage my feelings in dangerous and good conditions.”
For now, all Buchecha needs is to cease Aliakbari’s four-fight profitable streak and enter free company on a excessive word.
“He has a superb background in Greco-Roman wrestling and he’s one of many two heavyweights I haven’t fought but, him and Anatoly,” Buchecha mentioned. “I believe it’s going to be a really attention-grabbing battle to look at, a conflict of grapplers.
“He has heavy palms, however his background is in wrestling. If the battle goes to the bottom, I’m prepared. If it stays on the ft, I’m prepared. I don’t care what he needs to do, I’m targeted on my objective and my plan.”