Jiu-Jitsu ace Marcus Buchecha, currently on a four-fight MMA winning streak, is cautiously optimistic about his long-delayed match against Senegalese heavyweight Oumar Kane at ONE Fight Night 13, but insists he won’t be upset if it falls through again, and is prepared to fight 15 minutes on his feet if needed, despite his preference for a first-round submission.
Marcus Buchecha eagerly anticipates the day he finally sets foot in the ring with “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane. Their anticipated face-off is slated to happen at the upcoming ONE Fight Night 13 this Friday. The championship organizers have been aiming to set up this heavyweight match multiple times previously in 2021 and 2022, but unforeseen circumstances have always led to cancellation. Though Buchecha is slated to face Kane on Aug. 4, in Bangkok, Thailand, he hasn’t allowed his expectations to soar just yet.
Buchecha, a jiu-jitsu expert, revealed he is keeping his expectations in check given past experiences. During an episode of an MMA podcast, he expressed, “I’ll only believe it when he’s in front of me, because anything can happen.” Buchecha’s sentiments stem from having had numerous matches called off early in his career. Still, he is ready to take it in good spirits even if the fight falls apart at the very last minute.
This match will be Buchecha’s first meeting with “Reug Reug”. He made his MMA debut back in 2021 after a successful jiu-jitsu career and is currently enjoying an impressive four-fight winning streak, all first-round finishes. Regarding his competitor, Buchecha says, “I’m way more comfortable fighting, and it has given me time to watch the positives and negatives about him.” Kane, the 5-1 MMA Senegalese heavyweight, won his past two under the ONE banner.
In preparation for the match, Buchecha confirms “I’m always prepared for the worst.” This potent mindset stems from past series of events in his MMA career. As for the upcoming match, Buchecha stresses he’s prepared for a 15-minute fight, a best-case scenario would make it shorter. He also anticipates his first time fighting in a ring. For this, he sought guidance from a Brazilian legend, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Buchecha has also been training rigorously to perform in a ring, under the supervision of head coach Katel Kubis, a muay thai specialist. Despite this, Buchecha admits to aiming for submission in the first round — his opponents might be carrying a similar intent.