Ryan Spann competed at the UFC’s heavyweight division on Saturday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, stopping Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida with a two-punch combination in the second round of their main card opener at UFC Vegas 116.
Spann, who made the move up from light heavyweight (205 lbs/93 kg) last year, had gone 1-1 since settling into the heavier weight class. Saturday night’s performance, however, looked like that of a man who has found his home.
A left hook followed by a straight right dropped the Brazilian grappling icon right where he stood, ending the contest at the 2:10 mark of round two.
Buchecha entered the Octagon carrying one of the most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu resumes in martial arts history, a distinction that made his transition from ONE Championship all the more anticipated. After dropping his UFC debut, the heavyweight was eager to put his first win on the board in the promotion.
According to sources, in the opening round, Spann pressed forward aggressively while Buchecha worked from the outside. However, an early eye poke briefly disrupted the rhythm of the contest. Spann answered by driving forward for a takedown, steamrolling Buchecha to the canvas.
The Brazilian scrambled, pursuing a leg, and absorbed hammerfists in the process. Buchecha eventually managed to escape and secured a bodylock, converting it into a trip takedown of his own. Spann responded by hunting for a guillotine choke, though it was loose and never threatened a finish, leaving Buchecha more than three minutes to work on the mat.
From there, the ground exchanges continued to shift. Buchecha slipped off Spann’s back during one scramble, and moments later it was Spann on top, with Buchecha working hard to reverse.
Spann made the smart decision to disengage and return the bout to the feet. He attacked with a front kick to the body, and when Buchecha tried to initiate takedown, he could not secure it cleanly. Spann closed the round on top after defending another takedown attempt, dropping an elbow and landing a knee to the body before the horn.
In round two, Buchecha received two formal warnings from the referee for extended fingers, the second of which came without contact. The warnings seemed to refocus the Brazilian, who immediately closed his fist and unloaded an overhand punch that backed Spann to the fence.
Buchecha pressed a takedown attempt, and Spann once again reached for a guillotine, leading to Buchecha settling onto his back before both men returned to their feet.
Then, Spann timed Buchecha perfectly by landing a left hook that set up the straight right, and down went the former ONE Championship competitor in spectacular fashion.
Official result: Ryan Spann defeated Marcus Buchecha by knockout, Round 2, 2:10.
