One Championship has won the bidding war for a high-profile MMA neophyte.
ESPN announced on Thursday that multiple-time Brazilin jiu-jitsu world champ Marcus Almeida would be joining the One roster in the heavyweight division. Almeida’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, released this information to the outlet. The contract was a multi-year deal with the Singapore-based organization, and the terms were not disclosed.
On Saturday, “Buchecha” announced his retirement from grappling competition along with his intention of moving to MMA. The 30-year-old has won a litany of medals and championships during his career, including gold medals in the Pan American Championship and IBJJF World Championship, as well as Abu Dhabi Combat Club championships in 2013 and 2017.