“We've become very close” - Adriano Moraes details how his brotherhood with BJJ legend ‘Buchecha’ began

Former ONE flyweight MMA world champion Adriano Moraes has developed a good friendship with BJJ legend Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida. It continues to be solidified as they further their respective journeys in ONE Championship.

'Mikinho' touched on this in an interview with Combate back in August as he talked about his long MMA career, including the dynamic they have developed since 'Buchecha' trained with them at American Top Team.

Moraes said:

"When he signed with ONE Championship, he came to train here [at American Top Team]. So we've become quite good friends right now. He's already been to my fight, I've already watched his, and we've already fought on the same card together so we've become very close indeed."

Check out what Adriano Moraes had to say below:

'Buchecha' joined Moraes in ONE Championship back in 2021 to compete in MMA after establishing his legend in BJJ. He won four straight before slumping to his first defeat by decision in his battle of attrition to Senegalese star Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane in August last year.

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Adriano Moraes, 'Buchecha' to compete at ONE 169

Teammates Adriano Moraes and Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida are set to action at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Moraes returns to action for the first time since last seeing action in May last year in the United States against now-retired and former ONE flyweight MMA world champion Demetrious Johnson. He will take on fellow contender Danny Kingad of the Philippines.

Both fighters are out to get a big win to put themselves in position to vie for the currently vacant ONE flyweight MMA world title.

The contest is a rematch of their first encounter seven years ago, where the Brazilian won by submission in the opening round to retain the flyweight gold he was then holding.

'Buchecha,' meanwhile, touches gloves with streaking Iranian fighter Amir Aliakbari in a possible heavyweight MMA title eliminator.

ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug will be aired live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.