Joaquin Buckley believes Islam Makhachev will capture the UFC welterweight championship, but suggests that the former lightweight titleholder would face significant challenges if he chooses to remain in the division.
Buckley, known as “New Mansa,” is scheduled to headline UFC Atlanta against former champion Kamaru Usman this Saturday. He feels a victory would position him as the leading contender, although he acknowledges that Makhachev is slated to challenge the new champion, Jack Della Maddalena, next.
Speaking at Wednesday`s media day, Buckley expressed his belief that a win over Usman would elevate him to the top contender spot. He then commented on the business side, saying, “But obviously, this is a business. Islam has done a lot in the lightweight division. He has a massive name, and it only makes sense for the UFC to give him that opportunity to fight for the belt.”
He continued, emphasizing that his performance will speak for itself due to the unpredictable nature of the fight business. Buckley concluded, “If that such thing does happen, ‘Buck’ going to be ready for this opportunity when they come calling.”
Buckley predicts Makhachev will defeat Della Maddalena. Should Buckley secure a win against Usman, he indicated he would welcome the chance to compete against the world`s top pound-for-pound fighter.
However, Buckley expressed skepticism about Makhachev`s long-term presence, not only in the welterweight division but potentially in the UFC altogether if he achieves double-champion status.
“I would love it, but I don’t think Islam would,” Buckley stated when discussing a potential fight. He elaborated, “I truly believe if Islam is able to win that 170 (pound) title, he’s going to move. He’s done everything that he needed to do. What’s he going to do, stick around and potentially lose that winning streak? I don’t think so.”
Buckley speculated, “I think he’s really just trying to cement his name—this is really just kind of a legacy pass — and then once he wins that welterweight belt, my man going to retire at the end of the day.”
Buckley has a strong record since moving to welterweight, going 6-0 in the UFC and an impressive 4-0 in 2024 with finishes against notable opponents like Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington. While confident in his own abilities and recent form, Buckley is certain that Makhachev would regret the decision if he chose to remain in the 170-pound division.
Buckley delivered a strong statement, declaring, “Islam ain’t no big threat to the welterweight division.” He elaborated on the division`s strength: “This is the deepest weight class that you can get into right now, not only guys like myself, but guys like Ian Garry, Shavkat, from Sean Brady. Islam’s definitely going to have to prove to the world that he’s ready for this division, period.”
