'Buchecha' excited for Amir Aliakbari clash at ONE 169: “I'm looking forward to facing a fighter of his caliber”

Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend turned mixed martial artist Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida is getting set to make his highly anticipated return to action next week, after more than a year to process the first loss of his professional MMA career.

Almeida dropped a unanimous decision defeat to Senegalese wrestling champion Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane at ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs. Grigorian on Prime Video last August, 2023. He has since sat on the sidelines, taking a short break from competition to reenergize and course correct his ship.

Now, the 34-year-old American Top Team / Evolve MMA representative is ready to make a statement in his comeback fight.

Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, 'Buchecha' spoke in length about upcoming foe Amir Aliakbari, and he shared his thoughts on the tough Iranian.

Almeida stated:

"Amir Aliakbari is a very tough guy, a very strong guy, and he's also a very respected guy in the MMA world. So I'm sure it's going to be a very good fight. I'm looking forward to facing a fighter of his caliber."

Needless to say, big things are expected of 'Buchecha' in his return to action. But against Aliakbari, it simply won't be a walk in the park.

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Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida and Amir Aliakbari vie for pole position at heavyweight at ONE 169 on Prime Video

BJJ legend Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida will make his return to ONE Championship when he squares off with streaking Iranian Amir Aliakbari in a three-round heavyweight MMA bout.

The two will clash at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, which will be broadcast live from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, November 8.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event.