Mixed martial arts star Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida revealed that his current contract is set to expire in July, making him a free agent and opening doors for various opportunities in combat sports.
During an interview on the Connect Cast podcast, Buchecha shared details about his contract situation:
“I’m not in a fight. My contract ends in July. From July I’m officially a free agent. So I’m free to fight MMA with other organizations, fight Nogi, fight Kimono. So I can do whatever I want.”
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend, who transitioned to MMA in 2020, indicated he plans to return to competition this summer.
“I’m training and I hope to fight soon. Soon I’ll say this year. In the summer, which is July, August. This would be my goal. To be able to fight July, August, to fight MMA.”
Buchecha, who compiled a 5-1 record in his MMA career thus far, made it clear that his transition from jiu-jitsu to MMA wasn’t financially motivated.
“Man, I’m not doing this for money. For money, as you said, I could be in the jiu-jitsu,” he explained.
Instead, he sought new challenges after dominating the jiu-jitsu world for a decade.
“I stayed there for 10 years practically at the top, dominating the category these 10 years,” Buchecha said about his jiu-jitsu career.
When asked specifically about potentially joining the UFC and how he views that heavyweight division, Buchecha was thoughtful in his response. While he didn’t directly state that he was joining the UFC, he did express confidence in his ability to compete at that level.
“I look at the weight class, it’s a fight that I have the will to get there. I have the will to improve. I look there and say, I can get there. I see myself fighting with the guys,” Buchecha stated when discussing the UFC heavyweight division.
While Buchecha acknowledges he has more to learn in MMA, he remains confident about his potential:
“I think there’s a lot to improve, of course, but I’m sure I’ll see myself at the top.”
Previously, Buchecha aired frustrations with ONE FC on social media. Other stars like Diego Pato and Augusto Mendes have also criticized the promotion’s pattern of extended inactivity. Allegations have surfaced that ONE FC signs athletes to appealing contracts but withholds competition opportunities, pushing them toward pay cuts out of desperation. Critics, including Bruno Pucci, argue this undermines athletes’ careers and financial stability. Following a public plea, Buchecha was booked to face Amir Aliakbari. Buchecha won via submission in round 1.
As July approaches, the combat sports world will be watching closely to see which promotion secures the services of one of jiu-jitsu’s greatest champions as he continues his MMA journey.
