Introduction
When it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) royalty transitioning into mixed martial arts, Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida stands out as one of the most decorated and dominant athletes of his era. From his humble roots in Brazil to conquering the international stage in both gi and no-gi competitions, and later his seamless transition into the ONE Championship MMA cage, Buchecha’s journey is a testament to discipline, adaptation, and martial arts excellence.
In this article, we’ll cover everything about Marcus Buchecha – from his Sherdog record, to his BJJ and MMA statistics, earnings, and estimated net worth in 2025.
Who is Marcus Buchecha?
Full Name: Marcus Vinicius Oliveira de Almeida
Nickname: Buchecha
Nationality: Brazilian
Date of Birth: January 8, 1990
Height: 6’3″ (191 cm)
Weight Class: Heavyweight (MMA), Ultra Heavyweight (BJJ)
Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida rose to fame in the grappling world by dominating every major BJJ competition. With 13 IBJJF World Championship titles, Buchecha became the most successful BJJ athlete in history before transitioning to MMA under ONE Championship.
The nickname “Buchecha” (Portuguese for “cheeks”) was given to him as a child due to his round face, but today, it’s a name that commands respect in the world of combat sports.
Marcus Buchecha’s Sherdog Profile
Sherdog, one of the most trusted sources for MMA fighter stats and records, lists Marcus Buchecha as an undefeated rising star in the heavyweight division of ONE Championship.
Sherdog Fighter ID: 388847
MMA Record (as per Sherdog as of July 2025):
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Wins: 5
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By Submission: 4
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By Decision: 1
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Losses: 0
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Draws: 0
His Sherdog profile reflects his impeccable grappling pedigree, which he has carried successfully into the MMA cage. Most of his victories have come via rear-naked choke or arm-triangle choke, showing his dominance on the ground even against seasoned MMA veterans.
Sherdog also provides detailed statistics on Buchecha’s fight history, opponents, fight dates, and performance summaries, making it a hub for fans and analysts tracking his MMA journey.
BJJ Record and Achievements
Before stepping into the MMA spotlight, Buchecha had already built a legendary status in BJJ. His grappling resume is arguably the most accomplished in the sport’s history.
Career Highlights in BJJ:
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13x IBJJF World Champion (Black Belt)
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2x ADCC World Champion (2013 & 2017)
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Pan-American Champion
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No-Gi World Champion
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UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion
Buchecha’s rivalry with Roger Gracie, Gordon Ryan, and other top grapplers defined an era of elite Jiu-Jitsu. His ability to combine strength, agility, and technical finesse made him nearly unbeatable on the mats.
Transition to MMA
After dominating BJJ, Buchecha signed with ONE Championship in 2020, seeking new challenges in MMA.
MMA Debut:
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Date: September 24, 2021
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Opponent: Anderson “Braddock” Silva
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Result: Win via Submission (North-South Choke) – Round 1
Since then, he has fought consistently, quickly adapting to striking and MMA wrestling while maintaining his ground dominance. Training at American Top Team (ATT) in Florida, Buchecha sharpened his skills under top MMA coaches alongside fighters like Junior dos Santos and Kayla Harrison.
Notable MMA Wins:
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Anderson Silva – Submission (Round 1)
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Kang Ji Won – Submission (Round 1)
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Kirill Grishenko – Submission (Round 1)
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Oumar Kane (Reug Reug) – Decision (Unanimous)
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Amir Aliakbari – Submission (Round 1)
His fights often end quickly and decisively, displaying his dominance and reducing risk of injury.
Fighting Style
Buchecha’s fighting style in MMA mirrors his BJJ dominance but has evolved to suit MMA:
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Primary Style: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
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Stance: Orthodox
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Strengths:
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World-class ground game
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Takedown ability
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Positional control
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Submissions from top and bottom
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Evolving Areas:
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Striking defense
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Stand-up combinations
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Octagon control
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Despite being a grappler first, Buchecha has shown composure on his feet and willingness to engage before transitioning to his world-class grappling.
Net Worth of Marcus Buchecha in 2025
As of 2025, Marcus Buchecha’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million – $2 million, combining his earnings from MMA fights, sponsorships, seminars, and BJJ instructionals.
Income Sources:
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ONE Championship Fight Purses:
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Estimated earnings: $500,000+ across 5 fights
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Performance bonuses likely added more
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Sponsorships:
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Brands: RVCA, Hayabusa, Shoyoroll, Venum
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Estimated: $200,000+
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BJJ Instructionals:
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Featured on BJJFanatics and other platforms
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Courses generate steady passive income
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Seminars & Appearances:
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Global BJJ seminars in U.S., Brazil, Europe
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Approximate earnings: $50,000–$100,000/year
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Social Media & YouTube:
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Monetized Instagram & YouTube coaching content
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Additional revenue and brand promotion
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His net worth continues to grow as he expands his global profile and competes in MMA while leveraging his BJJ fame for long-term brand building.
Training Camp and Team
Marcus Buchecha trains at American Top Team (ATT), one of the premier MMA gyms in the world, known for producing UFC and Bellator champions.
Coaches and Mentors:
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Mike Brown (Striking and MMA Coach)
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Steve Mocco (Wrestling Coach)
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Mo Lawal (MMA Strategy)
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Multiple BJJ Black Belts on staff
ATT’s world-class training environment has been instrumental in sharpening Buchecha’s wrestling and striking, allowing him to become a complete MMA fighter rather than relying solely on grappling.
Upcoming Fights and Future in MMA
Buchecha has expressed interest in eventually fighting for the ONE Heavyweight World Championship. As of mid-2025, a title fight is being rumored against Anatoly Malykhin, ONE’s reigning heavyweight champion.
Goals for 2025-2026:
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Capture the ONE Heavyweight title
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Stay undefeated in MMA
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Possibly compete in submission grappling superfights
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Expand his coaching and seminar footprint globally
Social Media Presence
Buchecha is highly active on social media, engaging with fans and sharing training clips, motivational content, and personal life moments.
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Instagram: @marcusbuchecha – Over 800K followers
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YouTube: Marcus Almeida Channel – Training and seminar footage
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Facebook: Buchecha BJJ updates and seminar announcements
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Twitter/X: Commentary on MMA and BJJ news
His authentic and humble personality has earned him a loyal fanbase globally.
Marcus Buchecha vs Gordon Ryan: Will It Happen?
Fans have long debated a potential superfight between Marcus Buchecha and Gordon Ryan – two of the most accomplished grapplers ever.
Although the two have never faced off in a no-gi match in their prime, there’s always the possibility of a mega-match being organized by Who’s Number One (WNO) or ADCC Superfight Series.
Buchecha has stated he’s open to the idea if it aligns with his MMA schedule.
Legacy and Impact
Marcus Buchecha’s legacy is cemented in BJJ, and he’s now building one in MMA. He stands as a role model for young grapplers who aspire to evolve their careers into MMA, much like legends before him such as Fabricio Werdum and Demian Maia.
His ability to remain humble while achieving greatness across two demanding sports has made him not just a champion, but a global ambassador for martial arts.
Conclusion
From dominating the mats of IBJJF and ADCC to making waves in ONE Championship, Marcus Buchecha has redefined what it means to be a complete martial artist. His Sherdog record reflects an unbeaten warrior, while his grappling accolades are unmatched in modern BJJ history.
With an estimated net worth surpassing $2 million, a massive global following, and aspirations of heavyweight gold in MMA, Marcus Buchecha’s journey is far from over.
Whether you’re a die-hard BJJ fan, a curious MMA viewer, or a future martial artist looking for inspiration, Buchecha’s story is a blueprint for excellence.
FAQs about Marcus Buchecha
1. What is Marcus Buchecha’s real name?
Marcus Vinicius Oliveira de Almeida.
2. Is Buchecha undefeated in MMA?
Yes, as of July 2025, he is 5-0 in MMA under ONE Championship.
3. What is his most used submission in MMA?
Rear-naked choke and arm-triangle choke are his most frequent finishing techniques.
4. What gym does Buchecha train at?
He trains at American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, Florida.
5. How many world titles does Buchecha have in BJJ?
13 IBJJF Black Belt World Championships – a record.
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