You solely get one Final Preventing Championship (UFC) debut!
And just one athlete debuted on “Battle Island” final evening (Sat., July 27, 2025) at UFC Abu Dhabi inside Etihad Enviornment within the United Arab Emirates, and it was an enormous one, nevertheless it didn’t go so nicely.
UFC Abu Dhabi’s rookie misplaced, and now that the mud has settled, let’s grade his efficiency under:
Photograph by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Marcus Buchecha
Marcus Buchecha, a 17-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion, had a golden alternative to shake up the UFC’s rubbish Heavyweight division and cement himself as an on the spot contender given his credentials, however that each one went out the window as he misplaced a unanimous resolution to No. 13-ranked Martin Buday, who improved to a powerful 7-1 contained in the Octagon.
Buday proved he was the superior fighter Saturday evening, showcasing hermetic takedown protection. He stuffed 10 of Buchecha’s 11 takedown makes an attempt whereas peppering the Brazilian with crisp jabs and straight rights that stored Buchecha on the again foot.
Buchecha lastly scored his lone takedown within the second spherical, and his elite grappling pedigree was on show. He unleashed ground-and-pound and hunted for submissions, briefly securing Buday’s again with each hooks in and touchdown heavy pictures. However he couldn’t seal the deal, and when Buday reversed the place, it felt like Buchecha’s will was damaged.
It’s evident Buchecha has put work into his putting—boxing, knees, and kicks—however let’s be actual: his stand-up recreation continues to be lackluster. And let’s be trustworthy, there are many low-level Heavyweights that might tune him up on the ft.
At 35 years outdated (younger for a heavyweight, certain), Buchecha’s UFC future appears to be like bleak after this debut, and I don’t see Buchecha having a lot success contained in the Octagon. I’ll admit, I used to be optimistic about his debut, however as of now, he’s been a major disappointment.
He’ll most likely beat low-tier heavyweights like Justin Tafa or Thomas Petersen, however an unranked Valter Walker or Vitor Petrino would probably have his quantity.
Last Grade: D+
(Perhaps I’m being overly harsh, let me know down within the feedback.)
For full UFC Abu Dhabi outcomes, protection, and highlights click on HERE.
