Echeimberg started training Kung-Fu style Eagle Claw in 2008 to impersonate Bruce Lee and later transitioned to mixed martial arts after his brother took him to a jiu-jitsu class. Prior competing full-time in MMA, Markus worked as an information technology engineer at technology school and he was also a freelanced software developer, and he quit his job and college to teach Muay Thai and competed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu to make a living so he could pursue MMA full-time. After made it to the preliminary round of, he gained his parents support as they realized his seriousness of his MMA career choice.
Echeimberg fought in the Brazilian-based promotions and amassed of a record of 9-0 prior joining UFC after winning the Legacy Fighting Alliance middleweight championship.
Less than two months after winning the vacant Legacy Fighting Alliance, Echeimberg was signed by UFC. Perez made his UFC debut on December 9, 2017 against Eryk Anders, replacing John Phillips, at UFC Fight Night 123. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. His next fight came on May 12, 2018 against James Bochnovic at UFC 224. He won the fight via a submission. On August 25, 2018, Perez faced Andrew Sanchez, replacing Antonio Braga Neto, at UFC Fight Night 135. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Perez faced promotional newcomer Anthony Hernandez on February 2, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 2. He won the fight via technical submission in the second round. Perez was scheduled to face promotional newcomer Deron Winn on June 22, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 11 However, it was reported on May 9, 2019 that Perez pulled out of the fight due to injury. Perez was scheduled to face Jack Marshman on November 16, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 22. However, Marshman was pulled from the event for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Wellington Turman. Perez faced Wellington Turman on November 16, 2019 at. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Perez was scheduled to face Alessio Di Chirico, replacing Abu Azaitar, on April 11, 2020 at. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually cancelled. Perez was scheduled to face Eric Spicely on August 1, 2020 at. However, Spicely was removed from the fight on the day of the event's weigh-in for health issues related to his weight cut. Perez will now face Charles Ontiveros
Championships and achievements
Legacy Fighting Alliance
* Legacy Fighting Alliance Middleweight Champion
Thunder Fight
* Thunder Fight Middleweight Champion
Personal life
Echeimberg's moniker "Maluko", an adaptation of the word "maluco", which means "crazy" in Portuguese, was given by his teammates, who thought he was crazy after he asked his coach if he could wear Kung Fu pants and shoes when he train boxing to impersonate Bruce Lee.
