“It’s even better for me” - ‘Buchecha’ says he’s not afraid to strike because he can always rely on his trusty BJJ 

Despite having arguably the most fearsome Brazilian jiu-jitsu foundation in mixed martial arts, ONE heavyweight MMA contender Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida has never been afraid to strike.

Since making the full transition to mixed martial arts, the grappling legend has practically let his hands go in his 5-1 start under the home of martial arts.

'Buchecha's boxing skills have indeed grown sharper with each appearance, which was once again on display in his one-round finish of Amir Aliakbari at ONE 169 last weekend. The 17-time BJJ world champion worked behind a slick jab to put the Iranian monster on his toes.

Once Aliakbari focused on the strikes, 'Buchecha' changed levels and scored with his signature takedown. It was all but over once the fight was in the 34-year-old's wheelhouse.

It didn't take long for 'Buchecha' to get Aliakbari's back and finish him off with a rear-naked choke in round 1. While he could just as easily be a one-trick pony and simply rely on his ground game, 'Buchecha' insists he'd never back down from a stand-up war.

After all, if all else fails, the Brazilian will always have his world-class BJJ in his back pocket. The American Top Team and Evolve MMA affiliate told the Bangkok Post's Nick Atkin in his ONE 169 post-fight interview:

"But I did strike throughout the fight and if I had to, I’ll do it. But if I can use my jiu-jitsu, why not? I mean, it’s even better for me."

Watch 'Buchecha's interview in its entirety:

'Buchecha' wants to run it back with 'Reug Reug' down the line

Marcus 'Buchecha' has tasted defeat numerous times throughout his decorated stint in the BJJ circuit. Then again, the grappling icon was always able to redeem himself when given the opportunity to do so.

'Buchecha' says he's carrying that same mentality in MMA. As it stands, the 34-year-old's lone MMA loss came at the hands of new heavyweight MMA world champion 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane.

'Buchecha' told Nick Atkin:

As a fighter, as an athlete, I always want to go back and avenge my loss, that’s what I did my whole career in jiu-jitsu. When somebody beat me, I want to beat my opponent again. Nothing personal, just a personal achievement. So MMA wouldn’t be different."

The full replay of ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.