Joaquin Buckley is itching to get again within the octagon in order that he can return to profitable methods. Nonetheless, the 31-year-old has said in a latest interview that he would place sure circumstances earlier than the UFC brass, earlier than they e-book his subsequent struggle, if issues don’t go his approach.
The now No. 9-ranked 170-pounder’s surge was halted final 12 months by former champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta. The 38-year-old used his wrestling to close down Buckley’s hanging prowess and dragged the latter to the mat. “New Mansa” discovered no solution to rise up and land a fight-ending blow to get his hand raised and misplaced by resolution.
In 2026, “New Mansa” repeatedly referred to as out Shavkat Rakhmonov for a struggle. Nonetheless, most not too long ago, “Nomad” was faraway from the rankings after he injured the identical knee that stored him sidelined for greater than a 12 months.
Earlier this week, Buckley voiced frustration at the 170-pound division’s hotshots for staying inactive. He needs to struggle a high contender subsequent and is staying prepared, as his latest coaching footage suggests. He additionally referred to as out Jack Della Maddalena, opining {that a} struggle with “JDM” could be “good cash.”
“If I can get anyone lively, I’d say JDM. Me and JDM could be good cash. It ain’t due to the place he’s positioned on the rankings, as No.1. However I feel me and JDM, stylistically, we’re simply meant, fireworks. And I’m positive due to what we each went by means of, getting held down… I feel we’d be good work and we’d be glad with the work we placed on as soon as we struggle one another.”
Take a look at Joaquin Buckley’s feedback beneath:
Joaquin Buckley Calls for New Contract
In a latest interview with Parry Punch, Joaquin Buckley stated he needs to struggle somebody ranked above him subsequent and nonetheless has his crosshairs on Jack Della Maddalena. “New Mansa” is open to going through a lower-ranked opponent if that’s what the matchmakers serve on the plate.
Nonetheless, if Buckley has to struggle any opponent ranked beneath him, he needs to have a brand new contract earlier than that struggle. The UFC signed a seven-year, $7.7 billion cope with Paramount, and Buckley needs to take advantage of out of that and get fatter checks. He stated:
“I’m seeking to get a brand new deal. what I’m saying? To ensure that myself to see myself able the place I’m in a position to work in the direction of a world title. Um, and it will solely make sense if I’m not combating of anyone of identify caliber, that if I struggle any individual down the rankings that I ought to struggle for a brand new deal and that’d be my reward.”
Take a look at Joaquin Buckley’s feedback beneath (7:45):
