Sep 28, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; Marcus Buchecha Almeida (red) fights Victor Hugo (blue) during the ADCC World Championship at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

mma

Who Is Marcus Almeida? Could He Be the Dark Horse Threat To Tom Aspinall’s UFC Heavyweight Reign?

Marcus Almeida becomes a free agent after a brief stint in ONE Championship. Will he be the one to dethrone Tom Aspinall?

The heavyweight division has always been MMA’s most unpredictable weight class. One perfectly timed punch can change everything in an instant. While fans debate whether Jon Jones will ever fight Tom Aspinall or if Francis Ngannou might return, a Brazilian grappling legend quietly built an impressive MMA record. Marcus Almeida dominated the grappling world for years before transitioning to mixed martial arts. His name might not ring bells with casual UFC fans, but hardcore followers of combat sports know exactly who he is and what he brings to the table.

The 35-year-old Brazilian just became a free agent after six fights with ONE Championship. His departure from the Asian promotion opens up fascinating possibilities for his future. The UFC heavyweight division desperately needs fresh blood and legitimate contenders who can challenge the established order. And as per reports, the UFC are actively pursuing him. Almeida’s combination of world-class grappling skills and knockout power makes him an intriguing wild card. The question isn’t whether he can compete at the highest level. The real question is whether he can adapt his skills quickly enough to threaten champions like Tom Aspinall.

Marcus Almeida’s Legendary Career

Marcus Almeida didn’t just dabble in grappling, he absolutely dominated it for over a decade. The Brazilian collected multiple ADCC championships. He also claimed numerous IBJJF world titles across different weight classes. These are the most prestigious tournaments in the grappling world, where only the absolute best compete.

His nickname ‘Buchecha’ became synonymous with grappling excellence throughout the 2010s. The man’s ability to control larger opponents using pure technique was mesmerizing to watch. His transition to MMA seemed inevitable, but many wondered if his grappling-heavy style would translate against well-rounded fighters.And the early results suggest his skills transfer beautifully to cage fighting.

Gel bakalım Marcus Almeida @ufc @MarcusBuchecha pic.twitter.com/Wp7oL9qLtH
— Kamaruden (marty) (@canvdemirhan) July 6, 2025

MARCUS ALMEIDA SINKS IN THE RNC🔥#ONE169

pic.twitter.com/4i8cpe8uvv
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) November 9, 2024

Almeida finished five of his six professional MMA fights, with four submissions and one ground and pound TKO. Every single victory came in the first round, which shows he’s not just winning; he’s dominating. His only loss came against Oumar Kane in August of 2023.

Can Marcus Almeida Prove Too Much For Tom Aspinall?

Tom Aspinall’s heavyweight title reign just started. The British champion’s striking is crisp and his grappling is solid. But Buchecha operates on a different level when fights hit the ground. Aspinall would need to keep this fight standing to maximize his chances of victory. That’s easier said than done against someone who spent years perfecting the art of taking people down.

The UFC heavyweight division lacks depth compared to other weight classes, which creates opportunities for skilled newcomers. Almeida’s age (35 years) and lack of elite competition in MMA might concern some people, but heavyweights typically have longer careers than fighters in other divisions. His late start in MMA might have actually worked in his favor. He avoided years of damage while perfecting his craft in grappling competitions.

Almeida’s biggest challenge would be adapting to UFC level skill while maintaining his grappling advantage. ONE Championship gave him valuable experience, but the UFC’s heavyweight division features more complete fighters. However, his finishing ability and championship mentality make him a legitimate threat to anyone in the division. If he signs with the UFC and gets favorable matchups early, don’t be surprised if ‘Buchecha’ becomes the heavyweight dark horse nobody saw coming!

(Image Credit: Orlando Ramirez – Imagn Images)

Marcus Almeida

Tom Aspinall

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!