Buchecha's long-awaited MMA debut has a date. The ADCC and IBJJF World champion will enter the ring with ONE Championship in Singapore on April 14. 

Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida, 31, is one of the most successful black belt grapplers of all time. He holds the record for the most IBJJF World Championship titles (13). He is also a two-time ADCC Champion, a four-time No-Gi World champion, and a six-time UAEJJF World Pro Champion.

"I’m really excited, it’s been a long time since I decided to make the transition [to MMA], almost 10 months since I started training hard. Now with a date for my debut it’s a different feeling, the first time I’ve got something concrete. 

"It’s time to test myself one more time, to step out of my comfort zone – I’m moved by new challenges in my life. Training has been great, I’m really enjoying the game and really enjoin the journey. I hope I can get the support of everyone in the jiu-jitsu community. Let’s do it!"

Having signaled his intent to transition to MMA, the Checkmat black belt joined up with American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida last year to prepare for his debut. 

Buchecha sparring at ATT

Almeida's first opponent is the 4-0 South Korean heavy hitter Ji Won Kang, who has stopped all of his opponents with punches and has never been taken past the first round. 

Nicknamed the "Mighty Warrior", Kang is 25 years old and stands 6'0" tall. In his last fight vs Mehdi Barghi he was twice mounted and ate heavy ground and pound but rallied to put the Iranian on his back and finished him with strikes.