Marcus Almeida Is “100 Percent” Focused on Kang Ji Won Amidst Talks of a World Title Shot

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida refuses to put his name in the world title mix.  

Following an impressive debut against Anderson “Braddock” Silva at ONE: REVOLUTION this past September, the Sao Paulo-born fighter was immediately associated with the ONE Heavyweight World Title currently held by Indian colossus Arjan “Singh” Bhullar.  

But the ONE heavyweight mixed martial artist muted those talks during the ONE: WINTER WARRIORS media day on Tuesday, 30 November.  

“After the fight, we will think about that. But right now, I’m not thinking about that,” the American Top Team and Evolve MMA fighter said ahead of his showdown with “Mighty Warrior” Kang Ji Won on Friday, 3 December. 

“My focus is 100 percent on this fight, and I don’t want to make future plans like that. I think about today. I never think about tomorrow, that’s how I did it in my whole career. Step-by-step, day-by-day. I don’t like to make future plans. My next commitment is to fight against [Kang] this Friday.” 

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Marcus Almeida is ready for everything that comes his way at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS 

“Buchecha” is eagerly looking forward to this fight because Kang gives him the chance to test his abilities across various departments.  

The 31-year-old star knows his BJJ game is well above his rival’s, but points out that this contest is not all about his prowess in “the gentle art.” 

“It’s not jiu-jitsu. It’s MMA. So, I have to be ready for any scenario,” the Florida-based combatant said. 

“You have to be ready in all aspects, you have to be a complete fighter, and I’m doing my best to be as complete as I can in the game.” 

With that in mind, the 17-time BJJ World Champion and four-time Pan American Champion is prepared for the worst possible scenario against the South Korean slugger who owns a perfect 5-0 slate and who has knocked out all opponents within the opening round. 

The prospect of facing a knockout artist like Kang could frighten some athletes. But “Buchecha” is excited for the battle, even if it means trading heavy blows against the 26-year-old based in Geoje. 

“If the fight is standing, I have to fight, I have to strike. I’m ready for that,” he said.  

“He’s a real tough guy. I never expect an easy fight anyway. It’s a big challenge, [but] let’s do that.” 

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