Jiu-Jitsu’s biggest star today, Marcus Buchecha Almeida is a 3x world champion and ADCC gold medallist. The 24 year old Buchecha, is close to testing the MMA waters.

He has been training sporadically with various MMA gyms. Buchecha said in an interview with Tatame:

“In fact, I try to train a bit everywhere I go. I try to learn, and the guys in MMA like to teach me. I have to take advantage of it (laughs). I trained at AKA few weeks ago, with Luke (Rockhold), Cain Velasquez and Cormier. I did a sparring with them. Now, I trained a little with Marlon (Moraes, WSOF champion) here in New Jersey . I have lived here in the past. We worked in the same gym and we have a very good relationshi.”

About if his striking has improved:

“It’s hard to talk about it. There is so much involved in training for MMA, a lot to think about. It’s a very complex training, completely different from Jiu-Jitsu. ButI like a lot.”

“I will definitely have an MMA fight. I just have to find out how. If I take the feel of it, I’ll move on. It will depend on how things happen in my Jiu-Jitsu  career. I still have a lot to gain. But I want to do this MMA fight, yes, to know how I’m going. “he said.

 

A few months ago, Buchecha had revealed to Brazilian website BJJForum that the lack of financial opportunities in BJJ opens doors for athletes move to MMA.

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.