Marcus Almeida vs. Martin Buday headed to UFC on ABC 9 in Abu Dhabi

07-07-2025

"Buchecha" is UFC-bound.
A standout ONE Championship fighter and decorated BJJ star, Marcus Almeida, is aligned for a three-round heavyweight bout vs. Martin Buday at UFC on ABC 9, which takes place July 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Two people with knowledge of the matchup confirmed it to MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Robert Tellez first reported the fight was in the works.
In each victory, Almeida (5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has finished his opponents in the opening round; four came by submission, and one by ground-and-pound TKO. "Buchecha" is a multiple-time ADCC and IBJJF grappling champion, and has proven since his MMA debut in 2021, that his skills translate well in the heavyweight division of MMA competition.
Almeida, 35, was last in action at ONE 169 in November, where he submitted Amir Aliakbari with a rear-naked choke in the opening round. That fight was the last on his contract, and he opted not to re-sign with the promotion.
Prior to the fight, "Buchecha" told MMA Junkie he was frustrated with inactivity. After he completed his first four MMA fights in 11 months, Almeida hoped he could maintain the same level of activity, but the promotion did not meet his expectations. After he submitted Kirill Grishenko at ONE Fight Night 1, Almeida only had two more fights in 26 months.
Buday (15-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) aims to extend his winning streak to three after consecutive victories over Andrei Arlovski and Uran Satybaldiev. His lone UFC loss came against Shamil Gaziev in December 2023.
With the addition, the UFC on ABC 9 lineup includes:

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