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.
FIGHT ODDS
Martin Buday – 235
Marcus Buchecha + 195
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 25, 2025
