“I think jiu-jitsu is more efficient than Sambo” - Buchecha weighs in on the BJJ vs. Sambo debate

13-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and current ONE heavyweight MMA rising star Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida recently chimed in on the on-going BJJ vs. Sambo debate. The heavyweight grappling phenom has been largely considered the most successful competitive grappler of all time and it's not surprising that he leans more towards his martial art.

In an interview with ONE Championship, 'Buchecha' pointed out one aspect of jiu-jitsu that is superior to not just Sambo, but all martial arts. The BJJ icon said:

"I think jiu-jitsu is more efficient than Sambo. Not only more efficient than Sambo, jiu-jitsu is more efficient than any other martial art. Sambo has a lot of focus on leg locks and jiu-jitsu covers everything, chokes, arm locks, leg locks, back control, mounts… jiu-jitsu, in any situation, has very good positions. Of course, Sambo is very efficient, but jiu-jitsu has always been and always will be the most efficient martial art of all."

Almeida was not lying when he spoke about jiu-jitsu's ardent focus on efficiency. Back when the discipline was created, it was mostly catered to the idea of a smaller fighter subduing a much larger and more powerful opponent. BJJ favors position, leverage, and technique over raw strength, speed, and athleticism. Being efficient with your cardio and pace plays a huge factor in being successful in BJJ.

Sambo, on the other hand, is a Russian hybrid military system that is as hard-hitting as they come. It focuses on fundamental positions and moves being honed and practiced for absolutely devastating results. You see a lot of Sambo fighters go from 0 to 60 at the drop of a hat - utilizing speed, power and athleticism to win.

---

'Buchecha' used efficient BJJ skills to swiftly submit Kirill Grishenko at ONE on Prime Video 1

In his most recent appearance inside the Circle, 'Buchecha' made the US primetime audience familiar with what efficiency meant in jiu-jitsu. The BJJ icon submitted former ONE interim heavyweight world title challenger, Kirill Grishenko, in the sneakiest, most effortless way possible.

Part of the main card of ONE on Prime Video 1 back in August, Almeida did quick work on the Belarusian former Greco-Roman wrestler. After briefly teasing a fight on the feet, Almeida shot in for his signature blast double-leg takedown.

After failing to complete the takedown, instead of forcing the fight to the mat, 'Buchecha' quickly transitioned to an Ashi Garami leglock position. Despite his massive size and undeniable strength, Almeida simply chose the most efficient route by attacking Grinshenko's legs to get the heel hook finish.

The BJJ icon didn't even look like he broke a sweat.

Watch the full fight here: