It’s been a frustrating time for Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, but the heavyweight sensation is ready to put those feelings behind him when he finally steps back inside the ONE circle on Friday.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend will resume his MMA career against Simon Carson on the main card of “ONE 158: Tawanchai vs. Larsen” at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and a third straight victory would be a satisfying way to get back on track.
After multiple opponents pulled out of their scheduled fights with “Buchecha” at ONE 157 last month, the Brazilian star stayed in Asia to train at Evolve MMA and Phuket Fight Club. Meanwhile, he’s tried to remain positive and keep his head in the game.
“It’s a little bit frustrating,” Almeida said. “But I don’t let it get me down because it is what it is, right? When I sign a contract, I make sure that I am professional and do my part and be there on fight day. So that’s what I’m doing, I’m here.
“If my opponents don’t show up, I’m doing the part that I’m supposed to do. I do my training, even with the injuries and everything, I find a way to still train and show up on the fight day.”
The humble competitor doesn’t want to suggest that other athletes in the heavyweight MMA division are purposely ducking him, but with “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane withdrawing from their scheduled contests several times, he doesn’t see a date in their future.
Whatever the case may be, “Buchecha” can only roll with the punches and take on the rivals who show up for battle.
“I wouldn’t say (they are avoiding me),” Almeida said. “Who am I to say, who am I to judge? But with ‘Reug Reug,’ it was like the second or the third time that happened. So I don’t really want to let it happen for the fourth time. I just move forward, and I’m not thinking about fighting him again.
“I’m here, I’m ready to go. So a lot of respect to (Carson) for taking the fight at the last minute. That’s something that I hope we see more often.”
‘Buchecha’ ready for anything against ‘tough’ Carson
Carson is a ONE Championship newcomer who stepped up to accept a high-profile battle at ONE 158, and Almeida is looking forward to it.
“Buchecha” thinks the Australian will be a good test at this stage of his mixed martial arts career, but after a pair of submission victories, he’s only thinking about keeping his undefeated record intact.
“For sure, Simon is a tough guy,” Almeida said. “I know he’s a really good kickboxer, a big guy, (he has got) two wins and one loss, so it means that he doesn’t have too much MMA experience, but neither do I. So it doesn’t mean anything.
“I’m going to do my best. I’m not going to change anything. My focus is still the same, it doesn’t matter who I’m fighting.”
Along with his striking experience, Carson is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt who might be able to push the 17-time BJJ world champion harder on the canvas than any of his previous MMA opponents.
But as always, “Buchecha” has trained for every possibility at American Top Team, and he’s prepared to adapt once the opening bell rings at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“I’m ready to do anything,” Almeida said. “I’m ready to fight 15 minutes in striking, or if I have to do grappling or outwrestle him. I’m training MMA. If I have to strike, I’ll do it. But if I see the opportunity to take him down and use my jiu-jitsu, I’m going to do it as well. I know he has a good jiu-jitsu, so it’s going to be a good one, 100 percent.
“I’ll be fighting in the main card for the first time, and I’m hoping to get the win and keep working my way up to get the ultimate goal.”
This story first published at ONEFC.com.
