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Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida returned to the win column in a grand way at the weekend, fashioning out a nifty first-round submission victory over erstwhile streaking Amir Aliakbari in their heavyweight MMA clash.
The 34-year-old American Top Team affiliate made short work of Aliakbari in their featured showdown at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, banking on his reliable grappling game.
'Buchecha' got hit early by his Iranian opponent with a crisp left to the body. He, however, no sooner responded with a double-leg takedown, which signaled the end for Aliakbari. Using his crack grappling abilities, the Brazilian superstar secured the top position and then seamlessly moved into taking the back of Aliakbari for a tight rear-naked choke and the finish.
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ONE Championship posted highlights of the showdown on its official YouTube channel for fight fans to relive and enjoy.
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Check out the video below:
The win was a bounce-back for 'Buchecha,' who lost his previous fight in August 2023. It also set him up for a possible shot next at the ONE heavyweight MMA world title now held by Senegalese champion 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane, who incidentally dealt the BJJ legend his last defeat by decision.
The full replay of ONE 169 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
'Buchecha' earns a $50,000 performance bonus
Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida's submission victory over Amir Aliakbari at ONE 169 on Nov. 8 not only thrust him back to the winning track but also earned him a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
The win by the BJJ legend was one of three rewarded with the hefty bonus at the stacked event, along with the opening-round MMA submission wins of atomweight Ayaka Miura of Japan and lightweight Kade Ruotolo of the United States.
The $50,000 incentive at ONE 169 was the second for the BJJ legend after his first-round submission victory over Kirill Grishenko of Belarus at ONE on Prime Video 1 in August 2022.
