After Giving Tribute to Late BJJ Legend Leandro Lo With a Leg Lock Submission Win, Marcus Almeida Believes MMA World Finally Has His Back

Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida is fired up for the road ahead after claiming another big scalp in the ONE heavyweight division.

The 17-time BJJ World Champion forced former ONE Interim Heavyweight World Title Challenger Kirill Grishenko to tap via a heel hook just 64 seconds into their clash at ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II.

“So the job has been done. I’m really happy with my performance overall, not just tonight but in my MMA career. But I know it’s just the beginning. So I have a lot to go. So not much to say, just really happy,” the 32-year-old shared.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity that I have. Not just to be fighting in ONE Championship, but to be doing what I love in my life. So that’s something that I learned lately. We have to enjoy it as much as we can. Because you never know what will happen.”

The win was his fastest victory inside the Circle. Better yet, it came against arguably his toughest test to date. 

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Almeida pierced through the Belarusian’s defense with a couple of chopping leg kicks and overhand rights before sprinting in for a double leg takedown. On the canvas, he used his huge frame and superb BJJ skills to instantly lock in the match-winning submission. 

Marcus Almeida believes after this win he is getting his dues

“Buchecha’s” fourth victory extended his MMA record to 4-0 – all coming via finish in the opening stanza. 

He is pleased with the manner of the win. But more importantly, he hoped it addressed the doubts over his abilities in the all-encompassing sport, particularly because he hasn’t had a chance to showcase elements of his stand-up game in the past.

“I think I have just gotten my fourth victory. And now people start respecting me. Because a lot of people say oh, let’s see when he fights, people always doubted me. Yeah, let’s see the next guy. Let’s see the next guy,” the American Top Team and Evolve MMA star added.

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“So I think now people are not doubting me anymore, me as an MMA fighter. So I think I guess I’m earning the respect of the MMA world, not just fighters in my division but the whole world.”