MMA Match Preview: Martin Buday (15-2-0) vs. Marcus Buchecha (5-1-0)

The UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. De Ridder card in Abu Dhabi kicks off with a compelling heavyweight bout between Martin Buday and Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida. Scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, this matchup pits a seasoned UFC grinder against one of the most decorated grapplers in MMA history, making it a stylistic chess match with high stakes.

Fighter Tale of the Tape

Fighter	Martin Buday	Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida
Nationality	Slovakia	Brazil
Age	33	35
Height	6′4″	6′2″
Reach	77″	80″
Record	15-2-0	5-1-0
UFC Experience	6 fights	UFC debut
Fighting Style	Clinch-heavy striker	Elite submission grappler

Martin Buday – The Pressure Specialist

Strengths:

Durable and methodical

Excellent clinch control and cage pressure

100% takedown defense in UFC

Recent Form:

Wins over Andrei Arlovski and Uran Satybaldiev via decision

Only UFC stoppage loss to Shamil Gaziev

Path to Victory:

Keep the fight standing

Use jab and cage-cutting footwork

Avoid early takedowns and frustrate Buchecha with volume striking

Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida – The Submission Machine

Strengths:

17-time BJJ world champion

4 of 5 MMA wins via first-round submission

Explosive takedowns and elite ground control

Recent Form:

Rebounded from loss to Reug Reug with R1 submission of Amir Aliakbari

Transitioned from ONE Championship to UFC

Path to Victory:

Close distance early

Secure takedown and dominate on the mat

Finish via rear-naked choke or arm-triangle

This fight boils down to grappling vs. grit. If Buchecha gets the fight to the ground early, expect a submission finish within two rounds. But if Buday can weather the storm and keep it upright, his experience and composure could grind out a decision win.