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

13 times world jiu-jitsu 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. The protagonist of the first fight of UFC Abu Dhabi , this Saturday (26), the Brazilian heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) ended up being 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.

See too

Khabib Nurmagomedov hints at cousin's return to UFC after first loss

Paddy Pimblett downplays Tsarukyan and targets a duel with the former UFC BMF champion: 'He's a fighter'

With his loss in his UFC debut, Marcus Buchecha now has a professional record of five wins and two losses in professional MMA. On the other side, Martin Buday defends his 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 defeated Marcus Buchecha at UFC Abu Dhabi (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)

PUBLICITY:

Without touching gloves, Martin Buday started rushing 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 Slovakian defended once more. The Brazilian connected with a jab, a straight punch, and quickly dove for a takedown, but Buday succeeded again. Buchecha attempted a front kick, but the Slovakian caught the Brazilian's leg and connected with a straight punch. Buday landed a right hand that rocked Buchecha. Investing more in striking, the Brazilian landed some punches to the Slovakian's face, but without much impact. Buchecha had a good moment in the clinch and launched a 'blitz' against his rival against the cage before the end of the round.

Martin Buday started the second round more aggressively, working low kicks. Again, Buchecha attempted a front kick and received a straight punch from above. Following that, the Brazilian dove for the Slovakian's legs and finally managed to take the fight to the ground, landing in 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 the guard, and Buday gave up his back. Buchecha continued to land hard punches while looking for an opening for a submission. Buday managed to turn around and ended the round in the Brazilian's guard, on top.

In the third round, Martin Buday started by moving forward and working his boxing, connecting mainly with his left hand to the Brazilian's face. Marcus Buchecha attempted a takedown, but was easily denied by the Slovakian. The Brazilian followed up with three more attempts, but Buday avoided them all. Buchecha attempted a sacrifice takedown, and the Slovakian landed in a guard pass. Buday accepted the ground game, and Buchecha managed to reverse the position to the Slovakian's back. With the lock on, the Brazilian prevented the Slovakian from getting up and connected with some strikes. Through sheer strength, Buday managed to 'explode' and finish the fight striking from top position.

UFC Abu Dhabi Results

MAIN CARD (16pm Brasília time)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Reinier de Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker by split decision (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Petr Yan defeated Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Shara Magomedov defeated Marc-Andre Barriault by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Asu Almabayev defeated Jose Ochoa by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Bogdan Guskov defeated Nikita Krylov by knockout (punches) at 4:18 of round 1.

PRELIMINARY CARD (13pm Brasília time)

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Bryce Mitchell defeated Said Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Muslim Salikhov defeated Carlos Leal by knockout (punch) at 42 seconds of round 1.

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Davey Grant defeated Da'Mon Blackshear by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Tabatha Ricci defeated Amanda Ribas by technical knockout (elbows and punches) at 2:59 of round 2.

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Billy Elekana defeated Ibo Aslan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steven Nguyen defeated Mohammad Yahya by technical knockout (medical stoppage) at 5 minutes of round 2.

Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Martin Buday defeated Marcus Buchecha by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.