Marcus Almeida, better known as “Buchecha”, has taken to social media to express his growing frustration with ONE Championship (ONE FC). The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend and rising MMA star hasn’t stepped into the cage for over a year, and it’s not by choice.
In a candid Instagram post, Buchecha addressed rumors of his retirement, stating, “The answer is of course not, the reason I’m not fighting it’s not my choice.” He went on to reveal that he’s been waiting for an opportunity for 13 months, describing the situation as one that “sucks” and that he wouldn’t wish on anybody.
The revelation has sparked a wave of support from fellow athletes and fans, many of whom have shared similar experiences or expressed disappointment with ONE FC’s management practices.
Buchecha’s situation appears to be part of a broader issue within the organization. Several other high-profile fighters have come forward with their own stories of extended inactivity:
Diego Pato claimed he’s been waiting for over two years since signing with ONE FC in March 2022.
Former UFC star Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes shared that he went nearly four years without securing a fight, ultimately leading to his retirement.
Bruno Pucci, husband of ONE FC star Angela Lee, criticized the practice of fighters competing only once a year, calling it “the biggest scam in MMA.”
The extended periods of inactivity raise serious concerns about fighters’ financial stability and career progression. As Melqui Galvão, father and manager of Mica Galvão, pointed out, while MMA offers higher paydays, athletes risk becoming “hostages to the good will of the event” if they fall out of favor.
Bruno Pucci elaborated on this point, stating, “You can never gain momentum, you can’t make up for that loss, you can’t survive financially. Fighting once a year is the biggest scam in MMA.”
The situation has led to speculation about ONE FC’s overall strategy and financial health. Some observers suggest that the organization may be shifting its focus away from MMA towards more cost-effective Muay Thai and kickboxing events. This potential pivot comes amidst reported financial challenges for ONE FC, including a fundraising pitch to the Qatar Investment Authority as the company faces a runway expected to expire by Q3 2024.
Interestingly, one voice notably absent from the discussion is that of Leo Vieira, Buchecha’s longtime BJJ coach and current Vice President of Grappling at ONE FC. The silence from such a key figure has only added to the intrigue surrounding the situation.
