KEY POINTS

  • Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida pulled off another submission victory, but he is not letting it go to his head
  • Almeida gave Kang Ji Won his first loss in their fight at ONE: Winter Warriors last December 3
  • The Brazilian has no desire to compete for the title just yet as he admits that he still lacks experience

Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida is off to a solid start to his mixed martial arts (MMA) career with two victories in the first round by submission, but the Brazilian is not satisfied just yet.

Speaking to the media via a virtual press conference, Almeida was asked about how important his victory over South Korean knockout artist Kang Ji Won was for his to his progression as an MMA fighter.

“It feels great because [Kang] Ji Won was a big challenge, just like Anderson [Silva] in the first fight that I had in the promotion because he is a legend, and he was a tough fight for me as well. For sure now, I feel like I’m going [in the right direction] but I’m still just two and zero, just two fights. I have like just five minutes of fight time in total, that’s not much so I need a lot more experience,” Almeida said.

Prior to ONE: Winter Warriors last December 3, both fighters were undefeated and it was set to be a fight to see which of the two early finishers would get their first loss.

Kang was originally projected to take home the victory thanks to his advantage on the feet, but it was “Buchecha” who would keep his undefeated record after an impressive showing.

The two fighters were extremely careful of one another as they recognized each other’s skills, but a weak leg kick attempt allowed Almeida to take the leg and wrestle Kang down to the mat.

Almeida was repeatedly softening up Kang with strikes from the top position against the cage, and the latter was working his way to get back on his feet.

However, Almeida brought him back down and transitioned into a rear-naked choke with a body triangle that hastened the inevitable tap out from Kang.

Fans raved about Almeida’s performance as his stellar Brazilian jiu-jitsu background stood out throughout the short contest, with Kang’s lack of grappling ability on the mat being bared as well.

Another submission victory for Almeida has to put the ONE Championship heavyweight division on notice, but the 31-year-old Brazilian is not looking for an outright title shot just yet.

“I’m not in a rush, I’m taking things step by step, day by day, and just for me to enjoy the ride,” Almeida stated.

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