Grishenko will go toe-to-toe with the 17-time Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ) world champion in a heavyweight mixed martial arts (MMA) clash at ONE Fight Night 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II live in Singapore Indoor Stadium.

While Buchecha has a perfect 3-0 record in MMA so far – the Belarusian is determined to put an end to his upcoming opponent’s clean slate.

“At the end of the day, MMA is a tough sport and athletes often get injured during their fight camps in sparring. I’m not afraid of him – training camp is in full swing. I can’t wait to face him,” Grishenko said.

He is aware of the threat the Brazilian possesses and the world-class grappling repertoire Buchecha can present inside the cage. However, he is confident of his own arsenal.

The decorated Greco-Roman wrestler believes he can get his hand raised to leave Singapore with a historic win over a well-respected opponent.

“I think he’s a high-level grappler, a living legend, who has achieved a lot [in BJJ]. If he can improve his striking, he has a chance to be a champion [in MMA]. Now, he relies on his ground game too much,” he said.

“He has impressed me with his skills on the ground, but not with his striking – it is too basic, too slow. If he wants to stay at the top of the game, he needs to become a well-rounded fighter.

“I know what I’m capable of. He’s got the advantage on the ground overall, and particularly in grappling, but not by a landslide. I can beat him in striking. I’m working on my striking a lot right now and my [wrestling] base means he will struggle to take me to the ground.” 

ONE Fight Night 1 tickets can be purchased here www.onefc.com/tickets/

In the meantime, download the ONE Super App to catch all the action at ONE 160: Ok vs. Lee II on Aug. 26 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.

This article was published in collaboration with ONE Championship.

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