Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Marcus Almeida “Buchecha” has secured his return to the ONE Championship cage after voicing his frustrations publicly. The announcement comes just days after Almeida took to social media to express his discontent with a 13-month layoff from competition.
Almeida’s plea for action didn’t fall on deaf ears, as ONE Championship swiftly responded by booking him for a heavyweight clash against knockout artist Amir Aliakbari. The bout is set to take place at ONE 169 on November 8 in Atlanta, Georgia, as per MMAFIghting.
Almeida’s return to action comes after suffering his first professional MMA loss to “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane in August 2023. Prior to that setback, he had amassed an impressive 4-0 record in his first year with ONE Championship.
The Brazilian’s public statement shed light on a broader issue within the organization. Several other high-profile athletes, including Diego Pato and Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes, have shared similar experiences of extended inactivity.
Shortly after, Karate Combat president went public with claims that ONE FC signs athletes to contracts with a good value on them but then doesn’t offer matches to talent until they become desperate and take a major paycut in order to stay active.
Bruno Pucci, husband of ONE star Angela Lee, criticized the practice of athletes competing only once a year, highlighting the difficulties it poses for momentum and financial sustainability.
This situation has led to speculation about ONE Championship’s overall strategy and financial health, with some observers suggesting a potential shift in focus towards Muay Thai and kickboxing events.
As ONE 169 approaches, all eyes will be on Almeida as he seeks to reassert himself in the heavyweight division. The event will be headlined by a heavyweight title bout between champion Anatoly Malykhin and the aforementioned “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane.
ONE Championship’s financial future remiains in the air.
