Jiu Jitsu is at risk of losing its big star today. Marcus Almeida Buchecha, revealed yesterday to Brazilian website BJJForum that the lack of financial opportunities in BJJ opens doors for athletes move to MMA.
“The main federations of BJJ do not offer much prize money. We, professional athletes need that. “he says.
Buchecha took a vacation time to Brazil to go surfing and of course, to visit his parents in Santos. He told BJJ Forum:
BJJF Forum: You left the summer of California to spend a few winter days in Brazil. Homesick?
Buchecha: Absolutely. In total I will be 18 days here. I had some things to do in Rio. It’s always good to see old friends here. I’m enjoying this winter. But the main reason is to kill the nostalgia of old. Tomorrow, I’m going to see my family in Santos. And then back to California for training and seminars.
BJJF: Cara do Sapoto said in an interview with combate.com that he was for you in MMA. What do you think?
Buchecha: Yesterday I was training again with Cara do Sapato and Cigano. They didn’t take it easy on me. The two made me put on the gloves and beat me up. But it was cool, I had never trained that way, it was different, I found it pretty cool.
BJJF: Is MMA in your plans?
Buchecha: Sure, I think so. It ends up being the future of many fighters as the main Federations of BJJ do not offer much prize money. We, professional athletes need that. This lack of incentive is weak and opens doors for fighters leave the jiu jitsu and depart for MMA.
BJJF: What do your sponsors think of this transition?
Buchecha: I think my sponsors like the idea. Hayabusa, for example, is well focused on MMA. In fact, it supports only two athletes jiu jitsu, I’m one of them.
BJJF: Have you ever received any official invitation to fight MMA?
Buchecha: Already did, yes, but it was nothing formal. One of the owner of the event is my friend, which is even easier. I believe that if I want the doors are open to MMA. I’ll wait a little more, learn a little more and pretty soon I’ll be there taking care of the guys in the Octagon.
