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UFC targeting 35-year-old Brazilian seen as new threat to Tom Aspinall

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 4:19 PM ET

A new contender may be on his way to the UFC heavyweight division, and Tom Aspinall could face one of the sport’s most accomplished grapplers.

Aspinall recently became the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion after Jon Jones’ retirement led to his interim title being promoted. Now, as the face of the division, he’s preparing for a list of challengers – and one outside threat could soon join the ranks.

Candidates like Ciryl Gane, Jailton Almeida and Alexander Volkov are among the early favourites for a title shot. But Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida could soon enter the mix, and his skill set presents a different type of challenge.

Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida available following ONE Championship exit

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Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, one of the top grapplers in the sport today, has left ONE Championship as a free agent, according to multiple sources, including MMA Fighting.

Considered one of the greatest jiu-jitsu athletes of his generation, the 35-year-old Brazilian compiled a 5-1 record in ONE, most recently submitting Amir Aliakbari in November 2024.

Marcus “Buchecha” is officially a free agent after previously competing in ONE Championship

From what I’m hearing, the UFC has serious interest in signing him.

Buchecha is one of the most decorated grapplers in history and he holds a 5-1 record in MMA with finishes in all wins
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) July 4, 2025

His only defeat came against future ONE champion Oumar ‘Reug Reug Kane’. But he rebounded with three straight victories – two by submission – to close out his time with the promotion.

MMA reacts to Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida’s exit from ONE Championship and possible UFC move

Reaction to Almeida’s release has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans hoping he signs with the UFC.

Almeida is widely regarded as one of the best grapplers the division has seen, and his addition would add a unique style threat.

“Please give me Buchecha to the UFC. I need it like I need oxygen. The UFC HW division somehow needs it even more,” said one fan.

Others were equally enthusiastic: “Best signing they can do besides Nemkov.” “UFC badly needs heavyweights,” another wrote.

But not everyone was as enthusiastic. One comment focused on his only defeat: “UFC wants to sign a ‘Reug Reug’ victim but won’t re-sign Mokaev? Yeah, makes complete sense.”

Almeida, meanwhile, appears ready for whatever comes next and he would certainly shake up the heavyweight division.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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