UFC Signs Dangerous Heavyweight Submission Specialist in Latest Move

For those unfamiliar with his resume, Buchecha isn’t just a submission artist—he’s a grappling icon. The man has stacked up 13 IBJJF world titles and two ADCC gold medals like they were arcade tokens. 

He’s been grappling competitively since his late teens, racking up nearly two decades of high-level experience across international mats. His 5–1 MMA record was carved out in ONE Championship, where he introduced seasoned heavyweights to what it feels like to drown on the mat. He's not flashy on the feet, but on the ground? It's a chess match—and Buchecha’s already five moves ahead.

According to Robert Tellez, the UFC is already working on Buchecha's promotional debut. A bout against 14th-ranked heavyweight Martin Buday is currently targeted for July 26 in Abu Dhabi. While the fight is not yet officially signed, both sides have accepted the matchup and are awaiting final contract confirmation. If finalized, the bout would serve as Buchecha’s first step into the UFC’s talent-rich heavyweight pool.

Some fans are skeptical. Others are hyped. As one fan put it: 'He’s a monster on the ground, but what happens when someone like Gane or Volkov keeps him standing?' Can his ground game really carry him against knockout artists? Will his lack of stand-up catch up with him in the deep end of the UFC? Either way, there's no denying that Buchecha adds serious flavor to a division that's always teetered between chaos and brilliance.

Whether he sinks or swims, one thing’s certain: Buchecha won't be easy to keep off his game once the cage door shuts. The UFC heavyweight division may have just added its most dangerous submission artist in years.