MMA Match Preview: Marcus Buchecha (5-2) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (14-6)
The UFC signs off on 2025 with a stacked Fight Night at the Apex, headlined by flyweight contenders Brandon Royval and Manel Kape in a bout twice postponed by injuries. On the main card, light heavyweight intrigue brews as BJJ legend Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida seeks his first UFC win against knockout artist Kennedy Nzechukwu, testing elite grappling against raw striking power. Buchecha rebounds from a debut loss, while Nzechukwu chases momentum post-setback. This 12-fight card caps the ESPN era with finishes aplenty. Below is a deep-dive preview, spotlighting Buchecha vs. Nzechukwu, with logistics and betting intel.
Injury Report
As of December 9, 2025, no active concerns for Buchecha vs. Nzechukwu. Buchecha (35) is cleared post his July unanimous decision loss to Martin Buday (routine medicals), with no setbacks in camp. Nzechukwu (33) recovered fully from a July inverted heel hook submission loss to Valter Walker, which triggered a 180-day suspension (lifted after physician clearance in October; no lingering knee issues). The card’s intact: Royval’s concussion history monitored, November prelim swap resolved.
Fighter Matchups: Marcus Buchecha vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (Light Heavyweight, 3 Rounds)An early prelim grappler’s delight pits Buchecha’s world-class BJJ (17x IBJJF Worlds champ) against Nzechukwu’s lanky knockout threat in a heavyweight-adjacent test. Buchecha (1.60 significant strikes/min, 80% sub rate) hunts takedowns (45% acc.) for chokes, with 100% finishes in wins. Nzechukwu (5.33 strikes/min, 71% KO rate) leverages 83″ reach for knees and punches, boasting 80% takedown defense. At 6’2″ vs. 6’5″, Buchecha’s 77″ reach trails; light heavy bouts finish 65%—model: 60% sub if grounded, Nzechukwu TKO standing.
Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida (5-2-0, Sao Vicente, Brazil; Age: 35; Height: 6’2″; Reach: 77″; Stance: Orthodox)
A BJJ black belt at Alliance, Buchecha transitions seamlessly with rear-naked chokes and heel hooks. His top control (52% str. def.) dominates, but striking volume lags (40% acc.).
Kennedy “The African Savage” Nzechukwu (14-6-0, Dallas, TX, USA; Age: 33; Height: 6’5″; Reach: 83″; Stance: Southpaw)
Out of Fortis MMA, Nzechukwu’s a power southpaw with 10 TKOs, excelling in clinch knees (46% acc.). Durable (51% str. def.), but grappling exposed (2 sub losses).
Key Styles Clash: Buchecha’s chains vs. Nzechukwu’s sprawls and counters. Nzechukwu’s 11-4 UFC run edges Buchecha’s debut; prediction: Buchecha sub exploits entries.
Recent Form
Buchecha’s MMA transition shows promise amid a debut hiccup, Nzechukwu mixes KOs with a grappling lapse.
| Fighter | Last 5 Fights | Form Notes |
| Marcus Buchecha | L-UD3 (Buday, Jul 2025) W-Sub1 (Aliakbari, Nov 2024) L-UD3 (Kane, Aug 2023) W-Sub1 (Grishenko, Aug 2022) W-Sub1 (Carson, Jun 2022) | 3-2 streak; 100% subs in wins. UFC 0-1; elite control but Buday outstruck him (41-24). Camp refines striking post-debut. |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | L-Sub1 (Walker, Jul 2025) W-TKO1 (Brzeski, Dec 2024) W-TKO1 (Barnett, Oct 2024) L-UD3 (OSP, Mar 2024) W-Sub2 (Clark, May 2023) | 3-2 run; 67% TKOs in wins. UFC 11-4; Walker sub ended streak, but 3 KOs in 2024. Bolstering TD def. (80%). |
Fight History
Marcus Buchecha (Pro Debut: 2021): BJJ phenom to ONE FC (3-1), UFC July 2025 (0-1). Total fight time: ~25 minutes across 7 bouts. Strengths: Sub rate (80%), transitions. Weaknesses: Striking (1.60 SLpM), decisions (2 losses).
Kennedy Nzechukwu (Pro Debut: 2016): Regional to UFC 2017 (11-4 UFC). Total fight time: ~85 minutes across 20 bouts. Strengths: KO power (71%), reach. Weaknesses: Subs (33% losses), ground (0.55 TD avg.).
FIGHT ODDS
Marcus Buchecha +130
Kennedy Nzechukwu – 150
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 12, 2025
