Amir Aliakbari Outlines Plan to Beat Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida
Iran’s MMA star Amir Aliakbari is characteristically confident about his chances against Brazil’s Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida at ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug.
Aliakbari and “Buchecha” face each other in pivotal clash that could decide the next challenger for the ONE Heavyweight MMA world title.
The 36-year-old 2010 World Wrestling Championships Greco-Roman wrestling gold medalist will need to use his wide variety of skills against the experienced BJJ black belt and a 17-time world champion.
“Marcus is a good opponent and I have to be more careful with his jiu-jitsu. His strength is his jiu-jitsu and his weakness is in his striking,” Aliakbari said.
After losing his first two ONE Championship bouts, Aliakbarimade a stunning comeback, picking up four consecutive wins against tough opponents, including two former ONE Heavyweight MMA champions, Brandon Vera and Arjan Bhullar.
Aliakbari knows he could be one win away from a world title shot against the winner between current ONE Heavyweight MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin and Oumar “ReugReug” Kane in the main event of ONE 169.
While he is eager to challenge for the heavyweight belt, especially if it means he faces old foe and rival Malykhin, the Iranian is preparing to produce fireworks at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium later this week.
“I am ready for to face anything that he brings to the fight. My plan is to do well and have a spectacular fight,” Aliakbari said.
ONE 169 kicks off at 3:00 AM Mecca on Saturday, November 9 and will be broadcast live via beIN SPORTS.
