Ryan Spann made a statement at UFC Vegas 116, finishing Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida with a decisive knockout to open the main card.
The fight featured a clash of styles from the start.
Buchecha, a highly decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and former ONE Championship standout, was looking to secure his first UFC victory.
Spann, meanwhile, entered with momentum after transitioning to the heavyweight division.
Early in the fight, Spann pushed forward aggressively, even initiating the first takedown.
Buchecha responded by hunting submissions, including a leg attack, while taking strikes from the top.
The grappling exchanges continued throughout the round, with both fighters trading positional control – Spann threatening with guillotines and Buchecha working to establish dominant positions.
Despite Buchecha’s grappling credentials, Spann showed composure on the ground and managed to finish the opening round in control, after defending multiple takedown attempts and submission setups.
The second round followed a similar pattern early, with Spann landing kicks and Buchecha attempting to close distance.
However, warnings for extended fingers disrupted Buchecha’s rhythm, forcing adjustments in his striking approach.
Moments later, the fight took a decisive turn.
Spann stepped in with a clean combination – a left hook followed by a straight right – that landed.
Buchecha collapsed instantly, ending the fight.
SPANN STRAIGHT RIGHT KO
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) April 26, 2026
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