Buchecha Says Pressure on Opponent Before UFC Abu Dhabi Debut

Promotional newcomer Marcus Buchecha is still strongly favored to win their UFC Abu Dhabi matchup, even though Martin Buday has beaten six of his seven UFC fights since joining the organization in 2022 and has never been knocked out in 17 professional bouts.

Buchecha rejects such sentiment ahead of their matchup this Saturday.

Whether my opponent is a black belt or not doesn’t matter to me—world championships, all black belts there – because I’ll always trust in my jiu-jitsu against anyone. Although I am not the favorite, I do have my titles, my career, and my jiu-jitsu background, and I will bring all of them to the UFC.

“If we fought on the gi, I would be preferred and under pressure to win. Let’s put it this way: you must win. However, I don’t feel that in MMA. I didn’t compete in the UFC or the ONE Championship. Even though I’m new to the sport, I’m eager to get started.

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Buchecha’s Confidence in His Grappling Roots

With a record 13 IBJJF world titles as a black belt, two ADCC gold medals, and numerous other noteworthy accomplishments in the sport, the Brazilian is nothing short of a legend in the grappling world. Since joining MMA in 2021, Buchecha has a 5-1 record, all of which have come via first-round finishes. Despite the excitement, Buchecha doesn’t feel pressured to deliver.

After a forced layoff, Buchecha, who hadn’t fought in a long time, was thinking about retiring. After UFC Abu Dhabi, he hopes to make up lost time by fighting again in 2025, but a fantastic opportunity to compete in UFC Rio de Janeiro on October 11 might be too soon.

“The 26th is the main focus. “I take each day as it comes,” Buchecha remarked. “I want to stay grounded, go to battle, and then come up with that kind of plan.” However, I’m looking forward to this debut. It makes me thrilled to battle. I’ll fly the jiu-jitsu flag at the biggest and most renowned octagon in the world.

Buday’s Strengths and the Pressure to Perform

Buday bounced back from his only octagon loss, a second-round TKO to Shamil Gaziev, to win by decision over Andrei Arlovski and Uran Satybaldiev in one of his most recent octagon appearances.

Given his background, Buchecha puts “pressure” on Buday to win. He is also grateful for the opportunity to train with a coaching staff which includes Katel Kubis, Steve Mocco, “King Mo” Lawal, Marcos Parumpa, Conan Silveira, and Mike Brown, as well as a long list of seasoned heavyweights at American Top Team in Florida, such as Rodrigo Nascimento, Junior dos Santos, Renan Ferreira, and Steve Mocco.

When referring to Buday, Buchecha stated, “He’s a [jiu-jitsu] black belt.” Many heavyweights are beasts on their feet but have no idea what they’re doing when they hit the ground. He is not like that. Although I’ve trained in jiu-jitsu for a long time and am a black belt, I’ve always faced up against black belts. Whether my opponent is a black belt or not doesn’t matter to me—world championships, all black belts there – because I’ll always trust in my jiu-jitsu against anyone.

Ready for All Outcomes in the Octagon

He went on, “But I have to be ready for anything, right?” “We must remain upright if the combat doesn’t end on the ground; thus, we must be at ease there. Since I was unable to take the fight to the ground and had to fight on my feet, which took longer for me to do, I will be ready for every situation. This is what makes MMA so special. The warrior must adjust and figure everything out, even if the plan doesn’t always succeed.