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17-time BJJ world champion Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida paid tribute to his fallen friend and fellow Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Orlando Sanchez on Instagram.
“Rest in Peace Big O. One of the realest person I ever met in my life! It was a honor to share moments with you brother! R.I.P.”
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Orlando Sanchez, a former ADCC and IBJJF world champion, sadly passed away at the age of 40. Referred to by many as ‘Big-O’ and nicknamed ‘The Cuban Tree Stumb,’ Sanchez is survived by his wife and three children. Sanchez’s team Gracie Barra announced the news on Instagram, saying:
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“The news of the passing of Professor Orlando Sanchez profoundly saddens us. Thank you for being a great friend and one of our greatest athletes. You leave a legacy of toughness, kindness, and loyalty through your efforts as a competitor, professor, school owner, and regional leader.
“Thank you for sharing your knowledge with others and spreading the Jiu-Jitsu legacy worldwide. Rest in peace, Professor Orlando Sanchez. We will always remember you. The Gracie Barra team wishes comfort in the heart of his family and friends.”
‘Buchecha’ hopes to be part of ONE Championship’s U.S. debut
ONE Championship will be making its long-awaited debut on American soil in 2023 as the promotion brings ONE on Prime Video 10 to the 1stBank Center in Colorado on May 5.
Fans were already treated to the blockbuster announcement of the event being headlined by a highly anticipated trilogy bout between ONE flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes.
Now, it appears that every major player under the ONE banner is chomping at the bit to be a part of this seminal moment, including undefeated heavyweight standout Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almedia.
Following ONE’s announcement of their mainland debut, ‘Buchecha’ revealed that he would love to be a part of the festivities come May 5 while speaking to the promotion:
“I am very happy with this news. Fighting in this event would be amazing! ONE’s first time in the U.S., and I’ve lived in the U.S. for 12 years, so it would be very special. I have many fans in Brazil and in the United States, and I have gained some fans in Asia as well. It would certainly be very special for me and for my career to have my first MMA fight in the United States.”
