Marcus Buchecha enters as one of the most decorated grapplers ever to transition into MMA, but his UFC run has been uneven so far. A loss to Martin Buday and a draw with Kennedy Nzechukwu exposed issues in striking, cardio, and wrestling transitions.
Ryan Spann, meanwhile, moved up from light heavyweight and remains dangerous because of his finishing ability. He rebounded from a TKO loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta by submitting Lukasz Brzeski, proving he can still be a threat in the heavyweight division.
Marcus Buchecha
Last 3 bouts:
Draw. Kennedy Nzechukwu – Majority Draw
Lose. Martin Buday – Unanimous Decision
Win. Amir Aliakbari – Submission
Fighting style:
Elite grappler with a world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu background. Buchecha relies on takedowns, positional control, and quick submissions once the fight hits the mat.
Strengths:
One of the best grapplers in heavyweight MMA
Dangerous submission threat from top position
Strong physical strength and size
Can finish fights quickly if he gets top control
Weaknesses:
Raw striking skills
Cardio concerns in extended fights
Takedown entries can become predictable
Limited UFC/MMA experience compared to seasoned veterans
Keys to victory:
Shoot early takedowns and establish control
Avoid prolonged striking exchanges
Use grappling pressure before fatigue becomes a factor
Ryan Spann
Last 3 bouts:
Win. Lukasz Brzeski – Submission
Lose. Waldo Cortes-Acosta – TKO
Lose. Bogdan Guskov – TKO
Fighting style:
Explosive finisher with dangerous power and a slick guillotine choke. Spann uses reach, athleticism, and opportunistic finishing instincts.
Strengths:
Heavy hands with knockout power
Strong submission game, especially guillotine choke
Athleticism and speed advantage
More UFC experience than Buchecha
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent performances
Can fade after fast starts
Defensive lapses under pressure
Keys to victory:
Keep the fight standing
Make Buchecha work for takedowns
Capitalize once Buchecha slows down
Odds
Ryan Spann +120
Marcus Buchecha -142
