Joaquin Buckley is making a strong case for his immediate future in the UFC`s welterweight division. He believes a potential matchup between current champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, the Pound-for-Pound king moving up from lightweight, isn`t the major fight it`s being touted as, asserting his own right to challenge for the belt.
Buckley, nicknamed “New Mansa,” is scheduled to face former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Atlanta this Saturday. He is confident that securing a victory over a fighter of Usman`s caliber will solidify his position as the number one contender. Buckley boasts an impressive undefeated record in the welterweight division, with six wins since moving up, including recent victories over top contenders Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson.
Despite Buckley`s compelling record, the UFC has reportedly indicated that Della Maddalena`s initial title defense is likely slated against Makhachev, who is vacating his lightweight title to pursue championship status in a second weight class.
However, Buckley remains unfazed by the promotion`s apparent plans.
Speaking on his show, `Buck What You Heard,` Buckley emphatically stated, “Once we beat Kamaru Usman, it’s title time. It’s time to go get my belt.” He highlighted his unique trajectory in the organization, noting his consistent activity (15 fights in five years) and his perfect record at 170 pounds, specifically mentioning his streak of knocking out every ranked opponent he`s faced, a feat he aims to continue against Usman.
“You can’t name another guy that’s doing something like that,” Buckley argued. He stressed that a win over Usman would eliminate any debate about who is next in line for the title shot. Turning his attention to Makhachev, Buckley dismissed the notion of the lightweight champion stepping into his spot. He believes the Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev fight is “not a massive fight to make” and that Makhachev should “sit back and just wait for me to get my title because I will be the hardest fight that Islam has.”
Buckley`s conviction extends beyond just deserving the title shot based on his resume; he also firmly believes he possesses the skills to defeat Makhachev.
He specifically addressed Makhachev`s strengths, asserting, “He’s not going to out-wrestle me. He’s not going to submit me, I’ve never been submitted in my career. And he’s definitely not going to stand on the feet with me.” He added that if the fans want to see the fight, it will inevitably happen.
Furthermore, Buckley speculated on Makhachev`s intentions at welterweight, suggesting that even if Makhachev were to defeat Della Maddalena, he wouldn`t likely remain in the division long-term. Buckley feels Makhachev isn`t a natural welterweight and would “definitely going to run” from a challenge like himself. Recognizing that the fight game isn`t always fair, Buckley concluded by stating the necessity to “demand” and “take” the opportunities he feels he`s earned.
Despite his focus on the title picture, Buckley emphasized that he is not underestimating his upcoming opponent, Kamaru Usman. He holds immense respect for the former dominant champion, predicting their fight will result either in a knockout victory for himself, securing his undisputed contender status, or a memorable “Fight of the Night” performance due to Usman`s pedigree.
Predicting the outcome against Usman, Buckley stated there are “only two ways how it’s going to finish.” He reiterated, “We’re either going to be knocking out Kamaru Usman or this is going to be Fight of the Night.” While acknowledging Usman`s expected rigorous training as a former champion, Buckley confidently predicted a knockout on June 14th if Usman hasn`t prepared adequately for their clash.
