Joaquin Buckley expects Islam Makhachev to turn out to be UFC welterweight champion, but when he sticks across the division, he predicts the previous light-weight king goes to have loads of robust duties forward of him.
Buckley is ready to face former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman in the principle occasion of UFC Atlanta this Saturday. “New Mansa” believes a win makes him the highest contender within the division, however understands Makhachev is getting the subsequent title shot in opposition to new champ Jack Della Maddalena.
“In my private opinion, this win goes to catapult me into the place of being on this No. 1 contender spot,” Buckley mentioned at Wednesday’s media day. “However clearly, this can be a enterprise. Islam has performed so much within the light-weight division. He has an enormous title, and it solely is smart for the UFC to provide him that chance to struggle for the belt.
“However with all that being mentioned, I’m going to let my efficiency converse for itself as a result of loads of issues occur inside this struggle enterprise that, but once more, we can not predict. … If that such factor does occur, ‘Buck’ going to be prepared for this chance once they come calling.”
Buckley is selecting Makhachev to defeat Della Maddalena, and if Buckley is ready to defeat Usman on Saturday, he would love the chance to face the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the earth contained in the octagon.
Nevertheless, Buckley doesn’t see endurance for Makhachev—not simply at welterweight, however within the UFC if he turns into a two-division titleholder.
“I’d find it irresistible, however I don’t suppose Islam would,” Buckley defined. “I really imagine if Islam is ready to win that 170 (pound) title, he’s going to maneuver. He’s performed every part that he wanted to do. What’s he going to do, stick round and doubtlessly lose that profitable streak? I don’t suppose so.
“I feel he’s actually simply attempting to cement his title—that is actually simply form of a legacy move — after which as soon as he wins that welterweight belt, my man going to retire on the finish of the day.”
Buckley is 6-0 within the UFC since shifting to the welterweight division, and went 4-0 in 2024, together with stoppage wins over Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington. Whereas Buckley understands how good he’s, and the way properly he’s been performing, ought to Makhachev elect to stay round at 170, Buckley is assured Makhachev will remorse it.
“Islam ain’t no large menace to the welterweight division,” Buckley mentioned. “That is the deepest weight class you can get into proper now, not solely guys like myself, however guys like Ian Garry, Shavkat, from Sean Brady. Islam’s undoubtedly going to must show to the world that he’s prepared for this division, interval.”
