Coach: Marcus Almeida Learning All Aspects of MMA in Preparation for Debut

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The jiu-jitsu community is anxiously awaiting the mixed martial arts debut of its most decorated champion ever, Marcus Almeida, who has won 13 gold medals in the world Brazilian jiu-jitsu championships. “Buchecha” will face Senegalese giant Oumar Kane under the One Championship banner on Feb. 24.

In a live interview with Brazilian outlet "Confraria da Porrada” on Tuesday, American Top Team coach Conan Silveira shared some details regarding Almeida’s training camp.

“We are starting with MMA ABCs, teaching him everything separated in segments, before starting the sparring itself. In one class he trains muay Thai with Anderson França, in another boxing with Gabriel Oliveira, wrestling with Steve Mocco and MMA grappling with Mike Brown,” said Silveira.

Silveira praised Almeida for his humility while learning a new sport.

“Of course he knows that being a 13 time world jiu-jitsu champion doesn’t automatically make him an MMA fighter,” Silveira said. “He is aware that every new technique will be important for him to create his own MMA style and being able to begin sparring.

Silveira foresees a bright future for the new ATT heavyweight thanks to the right blend of physical tools and demeanor.

“He arrived here a few months ago but looks like he has been part of ATT for 20 years — such a nice kid,” Silveira said. “Everybody likes him. With all his physical potential, work ethic, humility [and] adding everything ATT can provide him, I imagine a great future for this kid in MMA.”