Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida makes early pick for Arjan Bhullar vs Anatoly Malykhin world title unification

Heavyweight contender and Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida likes the chances of interim world champion Anatoly Malykhin over reigning titleholder Arjan Bhullar in their scheduled unification bout next month.

The 17-time BJJ world champion said Malykhin has the advantage of being more active and in game shape, as opposed to Bhullar whose last fight was sometime ago.

“Buchecha” told SCMP MMA in an interview:

“It’s hard to say since they both have a similar game. They have fast hands and good wrestling and good takedown defense. But the last time Arjan [Bhullar] fought was against Brandon Vera years ago. So I think Anatoly [Malykhin], he got the rhythm and he’s being active a lot. So I think that gives him a huge advantage over Arjan. My guess is likely I’m giving the advantage for Anatoly.”

Check out the interview below:

Malykhin has had three fights in the last 18 months, including last December against Dutchman Reinier de Ridder, whom he knocked out to take the ONE interim heavyweight world title.

Bhullar, meanwhile, last fought in May 2021 against Vera, where he won the ONE heavyweight gold.

The heavyweight unification bout at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video on March 24 has Buchecha interested as he could be the next opponent of the winner of the event.

ONE Fight Night 8 will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and will be aired live and for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.

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Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida willing to face anyone in ONE Championship

Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida is not one to choose his opponents, as he is willing and ready to take on anybody presented his way.

Such a mindset has served him well in his distinguished combat sports career and something that has made him a noted fighter in ONE Championship.

In an interview with SCMP MMA, “Buchecha" likened himself to a soldier who immediately buckles down to work and gets on to whatever mission he is assigned.

“To be honest, I see myself as a soldier. They give me the mission and I just go. So I’m not thinking of [anyone] specific.”

The 33-year-old was last in action in August last year, beating Belarusian Kirill Grishenko at ONE on Prime Video 1 by way of first-round submission with a heel hook. It was his fourth straight victory in ONE Championship’s heavyweight MMA division.

The 17-time BJJ world champion made his promotional debut in September 2021 at ONE: Revolution, defeating fellow Brazilian Anderson Silva in the first round by submission.