(Video) Buchecha’ weeps for slain friend after quick submission victory

Marcus Almeida is a 17-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion. He entered the ring in the ONE on Prime Video 1 main event.

Almeida competed against Kirill Grishenko, a skilled wrestler and powerful opponent, seeking his fourth consecutive win. It is Almeida’s toughest test yet, and with a win against the former ONE interim world title contender, he may be knocking on the door of a world championship shot.

Almeida knocked Grishenko off his feet with a leg kick as soon as the first round began. At the minute mark, Almedia attempted a takedown, seeming eager to try his striking. Just 64 seconds into the fight, Almeida locked in a heel hook after gripping Grishenko’s leg and prompting him to submit.

Marcus Almeida and Mitch Chilson talked inside the circle after the finish to discuss it:

“Yeah, to be honest, that wasn’t the plan. I shot for a takedown, but I kind of lost my balance and I saw the leg was there and a lot of people think ‘Buchecha’ can’t take me down.’”

“Who said I can’t take somebody down? I trust my jiu-jitsu. The second time I knew this could happen and I’m so happy. I’m glad the job’s done.”

On the other hand, an upset Almeida confessed to Chilson that he had lately lost a close friend. Leandro Lo, a multiple-time BJJ world champion, died earlier this month after being shot dead in the head during an incident at a party in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

In the interview, he stated:

“It’s hard to say, hard to talk, but these last three weeks were the hardest time of my life. I lost one of my best friends. The guy was a brother to me.”

“Lost in a tragic way, so for sure, he’s up there, he’s in the sky. He would be mad at me because of giving up my dreams because of him. I know he’s up there celebrating my victory.”