ADCC West Coast Trials have added quite a few interesting superfights to the docket but perhaps none so interesting as Marcus Almeida “Buchecha” vs Rafael Lovato Jr.
The two grapplers have never met so far – neither in a gi or in nogi competition. This is particularly interesting match given that Buchecha has a very nice list of credits – among them being the 4 time absolute bjj world champ and the 2013 ADCC champ. Lovato Jr on the other hand is just the 2nd non Brazilian black belt world champion.
Buchecha recently spoke to Tatame about his expectations for the bout:
“The expectation for this fight against Rafael Lovato is very good. We never faced each other, neither kimono nor without kimono. In my opinion, he is the best American Jiu-Jitsu fighter in history, the only one to win a world title with and without a kimono, in addition to having made a beautiful career at ADCC, “said Buchecha.
Indeed Lovato Jr is the black belt of the brothers Ribeiro, having won a championship at black belt level in 2007. He’s since been successful in his MMA endevours and in a string of fight to win matches.
Buchecha added:
“He’s a top-level athlete, and a guy I respect a lot, and that motivates me. I’m training hard for this fight. The year will be well spent, this will be my first feat in 2017. Leo Vieira (Checkmat leader) has a lot of experience without a kimono and has helped me a lot in training. I hope to have a great year and achieve all my goals, that’s the goal, “said the multi-champion Marcus Buchecha.
