Jiu-jitsu legend Marcus Buchecha stumbles upon rival's takedown defense and loses UFC Abu Dhabi debut

13-time jiu-jitsu world champion and considered by many to be the greatest name in the competitive history of the gentle art, Marcus Buchecha did not have the debut that was expected in the Ultimate. Protagonist of the first fight of the UFC Abu Dhabi, this Saturday (26), the Brazilian heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) ended up defeated by Martin Buday in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Struggling to impose his grappling, Buchecha ended up struggling with his opponent's strong takedown defense and appeared quite fatigued throughout the fight. The Brazilian even had opportunities on the ground, but was unable to capitalize and was ultimately outclassed in the eyes of all three judges.

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With the defeat in his UFC debut, Marcus Buchecha now has a professional record of five wins and two losses in professional MMA. On the other hand, Martin Buday defends the 13th position in the heavyweight rankings and wins for the seventh time in eight fights in the organization.

Buchecha has takedowns denied, gets tired and ends up defeated in the final

Martin Buday derrotou Marcus Buchecha No. UFC Abu Dhabi (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)

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Without touching the gloves, Martin Buday started running towards Marcus Buchecha, who moved laterally. The Brazilian timed the Slovakian's first straight punch and tried to take him down, but Buday defended. Buchecha attempted another takedown, but the Slovak defended again. The Brazilian landed a jab, a straight, and quickly dove for a takedown, but Buday succeeded again. Buchecha attempted a front kick, but the Slovak caught the Brazilian's leg and landed a straight. Buday landed a right hand that rocked Buchecha. Investing more in the exchange, the Brazilian landed a few blows to the Slovakian's face, but without much impact. Buchecha had a good moment in the clinch and blitzed his opponent against the fence before the end of the round.

Martin Buday He began the second round more aggressively, working low kicks. Once again, Buchecha attempted a front kick and was met with a straight right from the top. The Brazilian then dove at the Slovakian's legs and finally managed to take the fight to the ground, falling into his opponent's guard in the center of the Octagon. With great technique, Buchecha transitioned to half-guard and began working ground and pound. The Brazilian completely passed guard, and Buday surrendered his back. Buchecha continued to land hard punches while looking for space for the submission. Buday managed to turn around and ended the round in the Brazilian's guard, on top.

In the third round, Martin Buday He began walking forward and working his boxing, connecting blows mainly with his left hand to the Brazilian's face. Marcus Buchecha Buchecha attempted a takedown but was easily denied by the Slovak. The Brazilian attempted three more attempts, but Buday avoided them all. Buchecha attempted a sacrifice takedown, and the Slovak landed with his guard passed. Buday accepted the ground game, and Buchecha managed to reverse the Slovak to the back. With the choke closed, the Brazilian prevented the Slovak from getting up and landed a few strikes. Using his strength, Buday managed to explode and finish the fight with a strike from above.

UFC Abu Dhabi Results

MAIN CARD (16pm Brasília time)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ridder's Reinier derrotou Robert whittaker by split decision of the judges (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Petr yan derrotou Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Shara Magomedov derrotou Marc-Andre Barriault in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Asu Almabayev derrotou Jose Ochoa in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Bogdan Guskov derrotou Nikita Krylov by knockout (punches) at 4min18s of R1

PRELIMINARY CARD (13pm Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Bryce mitchell derrotou Said Nurmagomedov in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): muslim salikhov derrotou Carlos Leal by knockout (punch) at 42 seconds of R1

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): davey grant defeated Da'Mon Blackshear via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Tabatha Ricci derrotou Amanda ribas by technical knockout (elbow and punches) at 2:59 of R2

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Billy Elekana derrotou Ibo Aslan in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steven Nguyen defeated Mohammad Yahya by technical knockout (doctor stoppage) 5 min into R2

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Martin Buday derrotou Marcus Buchecha in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)