Marcus Buchecha is set to face Amir Aliakbari at ONE Championship in Bangkok, with the outcome potentially determining the next contender for the heavyweight belt, while also marking the final fight of his current contract and an opportunity to negotiate better terms.
Marcus Buchecha is stepping back into the ONE Championship ring on Friday. He’ll be facing Amir Aliakbari in Bangkok, and this might just be his last fight in Asia.
In a chat with MMA Fighting before ONE 169, Buchecha hinted that his match with Aliakbari could decide who gets a shot at the heavyweight belt next. That same night, Anatoly Malykhin and “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane will battle for that title. But here’s the twist: it’s the last bout of Buchecha’s contract, so he might not stick around to see what happens next.
“This fight will give me leverage,” Buchecha remarked. “I’m putting everything into this fight. Afterward, it’s time to talk terms. That’s the plan.”
Back in early September, Buchecha publicly voiced his frustration about not getting fights. “I’ve been out waiting for a fight for almost one year,” he said. Since August 2023, when he faced his first loss against “Reug Reug,” he’s been inactive. His clash with Aliakbari was set up shortly after he spoke out.
When asked if his long break will affect his decision to re-sign with ONE, Buchecha replied, “you can’t cry over spilled milk.” He’s laser-focused on what’s ahead of him now.
“I hope we chat again on Saturday and discuss my future,” Buchecha stated. “But right now, Friday is my focus.” Though staying out for over a year wasn’t his choice, he spent that time training hard—improving in wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and striking. He feels like a better fighter now than before.
Reflecting on his last match with Kane, he admitted it wasn’t the outcome he wanted but saw it as a valuable experience. The 15 months of training since then have added depth to his MMA career. He discovered new facets of himself as a fighter and learned to manage emotions in various situations.
For now, Buchecha’s goal is clear: end Aliakbari’s four-fight winning streak and enter free agency with momentum.
“He has a strong Greco-Roman wrestling background,” Buchecha noted about Aliakbari. “He’s one of the two heavyweights I haven’t fought yet—the other being Anatoly.” This upcoming match promises an intriguing grappler showdown.
Aliakbari may pack powerful punches, but wrestling is his forte. Whether the fight stays standing or goes to the ground, Buchecha is prepared. “I don’t care what he wants to do,” he asserted. “I’m focused on my goal and my plan.”