Joaquin Buckley is easily one of the most exciting prospects inside the octagon of the UFC, with some of the most fantastic knockouts in his career so far. He instantaneously finds his place in the fans’ hearts due to his violent fighting tendency and complete disregard for personal safety inside the octagon. A titanic welterweight talent, the hype surrounding Buckley suggests a mercurial rise within the ranks, and all eyes are on him as to which other levels he can reach. Here, we take a deep dive into Buckley’s career so far, his most significant wins, and how his future looks.
Early Career and Rise in the UFC
It wasn’t until 2020 that Buckley finally made his way into the UFC, where he wasted little time in turning heads with a jaw-dropping knockout over Impa Kasanganay. As soon as it happened, the spinning back kick knockout immediately went viral, stamping Buckley as a fighter to watch. The win earned him the “Performance of the Night” bonus and made him one of the more popular new faces in MMA.
Working his way up the table, Buckley has had some formidable opponents, yet he is still able to amass several knockout victories. Buckley did have his ups and downs in the middleweight division, but he then decided very well to move down to the welterweight division in 2023. So far, this move has been fruitful for Buckley, who has been on a winning streak that noticed the revitalization of his title aspirations.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Nicknamed “New Mansa,” Buckley is known for his aggressive high-risk style of fighting. He’s got a decent striking game where the focal point, for the most part, rests on knocking people out, which makes him a favorite in front of the fans. What separates him from other fighters is that he can land hard-sounding creative strikes such as his famous spinning kick. Mainly a striker, Buckley has shown newfound defensive skills and grappling in his recent fights that have helped shore up his overall MMA game.
Recent Wins and Win Streak
Since making the move to Welterweight, Buckley has accumulated an impressive five-fight win streak, defeating highly regarded fighters such as Vicente Luque, Alex Morono, and most recently Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. Those wins have catapulted him up the ranks in Welterweight and positioned him for higher-profile fights.
Next Fight against Ian Machado Garry
The UFC has now set the stage for Buckley’s biggest challenge to date in the person of the undefeated Irish fighter Ian Machado Garry on December 14, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. That fight is expected to be one of the most anticipated because Garry himself has been on a winning streak, defeating top competitors like Michael “Venom” Page and Geoff Neal.
This bout will be Garry’s first headliner in his career, and it’s going to be a small-sized showdown that pits the skill and endurance of both fighters. A victory over Garry could open a doorway for Buckley to a title shot, or other high-stakes fights, inside the division.
Fan Expectations and Social Media Presence
Buckley’s rise to fame in the UFC has been as much about his work inside the octagon as about his work on social media, where fans will often talk about his knockouts and training videos that go viral. His moves have gone viral across a wide audience, and he is very active with his fans on Instagram and Twitter, providing insight into his training, lifestyle, and lead-up to fights. The interaction has helped him build a great fan base that adds to his appeal outside of his skill in fighting.
Future Prospects in the UFC
Everything is going well for Buckley in the UFC, and at only 30 years old, with the current winning streak and dedication to perfecting his craft, the possible upward trajectory seems plausible. The bout against Garry will be very telling for determining where he stands among the best at welterweight.
If Buckley can keep the streak going at the next fight, he shall immediately enter the discussions for a title eliminator or perhaps even an opportunity at the welterweight title. Right now, Buckley is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, and it will be important to see where the combination of his potential and hard work takes him. Buckley has already punched himself into the lane of becoming an icon within MMA culture based off of his style alone, knockout power, and continual dedication.
Conclusion
The person who has turned into a star so fast is no other than Joaquin Buckley, an exciting pro with heavy guns. In his bout against Ian Machado Garry, Buckley faces off with a very important test that might place him among the top challengers in the Welterweight division.
FAQs
How did he get into MMA?
Buckley started in MMA as a way to channel his energy and athleticism.
Where can fans follow him?
Buckley is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares training updates, insights into his life, and interacts with fans
What is his current ranking?
As of late 2024, Buckley is considered a strong contender in the UFC welterweight division.
When is his next fight?
Buckley’s next fight is set for December 14, 2024.
What is Buckley’s fight style?
aggressive striking and knockout.
