Marcus Almeida (Buchecha): 13-Time World Champion
Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida holds the record for most IBJJF World Championship gold medals with 13 titles. His combination of wrestling, physical dominance, and technical jiu-jitsu made him virtually unbeatable in the gi.
Rise to Dominance
Marcus Almeida, nicknamed Buchecha, was born in 1990 in São Paulo, Brazil. He affiliated with Checkmat BJJ under Lucas Leite and rapidly rose through the competitive ranks. His nickname comes from a Brazilian slang term for a type of ear. Buchecha won his first world championship as a brown belt and then dominated the black belt divisions for nearly a decade.
13 World Championships
Buchecha won 13 IBJJF World Championship gold medals — more than any competitor in history. He won in the super-heavyweight division and the absolute multiple times, defeating the best practitioners in the world with a combination of powerful wrestling-based takedowns and relentless top pressure. His matches against Roger Gracie in 2012 are considered among the greatest in worlds history.
Style and Game
Buchecha's game is built around explosive wrestling entries — particularly the double leg takedown — followed by crushing top pressure and guard passing. Once in top position, his physical power makes him nearly impossible to escape from. His guard is also highly effective when needed, featuring a strong open guard with leg lock threats. In later years, he developed dangerous leg lock attacks to complement his top game.
Transition to MMA
After his final IBJJF worlds title, Buchecha announced his retirement from jiu-jitsu competition to pursue MMA. He signed with ONE Championship and compiled an undefeated record in his debut MMA fights, showcasing his grappling in a new arena. His BJJ pedigree makes him one of the most technically accomplished fighters in MMA.
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