Marcus Buchecha lastly re-enters the ONE Championship ring on Friday to face Amir Aliakbari in Bangkok in what might be his final stroll to the ring in Asia
Talking with MMA Combating forward of ONE 169, the jiu-jitsu legend stated the winner of his conflict with Aliakbari might decide who’s subsequent in line for the heavyweight belt—on the road later that night time between Anatoly Malykhin and “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane. Nevertheless, as it’s the ultimate bout of Buchecha’s contract with the group, he may not stick round to search out out.
“This struggle will give me leverage,” Buchecha stated, “So I’ll focus one hundred pc on this struggle after which focus on higher phrases. That is the purpose.”
Buchecha publicly complained a few lack of fights in early September, saying “I’ve been out ready for a struggle 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 publish.
Requested if his lengthy layoff shall be considered when he has to determine whether or not or not re-sign with ONE, Buchecha stated “you’ll be able to’t cry over spilled milk,” noting he’s absolutely centered on the duty forward of him.
“I hope to speak to you once more on Saturday and undoubtedly discuss concerning the future, however my purpose proper now’s Friday,” Buchecha stated. “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 side as an athlete on the toes, 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 struggle [with Kane] was an excellent expertise. I received’t be a hypocrite and say it was the consequence I needed, after all not, nevertheless it turned out to be nice expertise. After that struggle, plus the 15 months [of training], it added so much to my profession as a MMA athlete. I discovered so much 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 successful streak and enter free company on a excessive word.
“He has a very good background in Greco-Roman wrestling and he’s one of many two heavyweights I haven’t fought but, him and Anatoly,” Buchecha stated. “I feel it’s going to be a really fascinating struggle to look at, a conflict of grapplers.
“He has heavy palms, however his background is in wrestling. If the struggle goes to the bottom, I’m prepared. If it stays on the toes, I’m prepared. I don’t care what he needs to do, I’m centered on my purpose and my plan.”
