For grappling enthusiasts, Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida needs no intro-duction.
The multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion has undoubtedly earned his status as a legend in the world of canvas-based martial arts.
Now, "Buchecha" is looking to cement himself as a household name in mixed martial arts, too.
The heavyweight star will continue his journey in the all-encompassing sport when he steps into the One Championship circle for the third time against Simon Carson at One158: Tawanchai v Larsen at the Singapore Indoor Stadium today.
Almeida has performed incredibly in the Singapore-based promotion so far.
His first two bouts yielded two submission finishes for the Brazilian star, with both coming in the first round.
He defeated Anderson Silva in under two and a half minutes in his debut in September 2021, and he returned three months later to finish Kang Ji-Won in less than three minutes.
A fighter couldn't wish for a better start on the global stage, but the ever-humble athlete isn't letting it go to his head. Instead, he remains practical and realistic about how much his all-around skill set still has to develop.
"I know I'm just getting started, but I have had a good beginning. I know I'm going on the right path, but I still have a lot to go. I'm not even close to where I can be. And I'm learning, I'm evolving, I'm getting better every day but still have a lot to get better," Almeida said.
"I have been training in pretty much everything. So, it's MMA, so, you have to be complete everywhere, all the aspects. I'm feeling really confident with everything right now."
His upcoming opponent may present an interesting challenge for the 32-year-old star.
Carson has a striking-centred background and has two wins by way of TKO.
The Australian brawler will also be fired up to slow Buchecha's hype train, so fans can expect him to bring the heat when they square off.
Watch One 158: Tawanchai v Larsen live on AIS Play at 4:30pm, delayed telecast on Thairath TV at 10.40pm.