In the ever-evolving landscape of the UFC welterweight division, a fresh wave of contenders has emerged, and one name that stands out is Joaquin Buckley. Over the past year, significant changes have reshaped the competitive atmosphere at 170 lbs. Long-established veterans like Leon Edwards, Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, and Stephen Thompson have faced defeats at the hands of up-and-coming prospects, signaling a new era of fighters primed for dominance.
Ranked #7 in the UFC welterweight rankings, Joaquin Buckley has quickly ascended through the ranks himself. His impressive trajectory includes TKO victories over notable fighters such as Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson. These victories have paved the way for a significant matchup against former champion and pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman, set to take place at UFC Atlanta. Buckley is not only vying for a win; he has his sights firmly set on becoming a title contender for the championship belt currently held by Jack Della Maddalena.
Interestingly, Buckley has raised eyebrows in the UFC community by suggesting that his top pick for the best welterweight in the world isn’t the current champion, Della Maddalena. In a recent interview, Buckley shared his candid thoughts on the welterweight division and ranked his peers, leading to some surprising choices.
Buckley ranks Ian Machado Garry as the number one welterweight, indicating that he sees Garry as a formidable opponent. Speaking with CBS Sports, he expressed, “To be honest with you, I’mma put Ian Garry as number one.” Buckley praised Garry’s intelligence and fighting style, noting, “He’s a smart fighter. Stylistically, I will have to chase him down at all times, which makes him dangerous.”
Machado Garry, who boasts a professional record of 16-1 and a UFC record of 9-1, has proven himself against several top fighters. His notable wins include defeating Carlos Prates, Geoff Neal, and the talented Michael ‘Venom’ Page. The only blemish on his record came from a loss to the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov last year, marking a critical moment in his career.
Following Garry in Buckley’s personal rankings is Shavkat Rakhmonov himself, whom Buckley places second. He suggests Jack Della Maddalena, the current champion, follows in third, while putting Sean Brady in fourth. Notably, Buckley claims that Brady would present him with the easiest fight among top contenders, a statement that has stirred conversations within the MMA community.
In light of Brady’s current #2 ranking and his recent submission victory over former champion Leon Edwards, Buckley feels justified in his assessment. “I mean, come on now. You got knocked out by pillow hands,” he remarked, referencing Brady’s previous loss to Belal Muhammad in 2022. He continued, “With me fighting Sean Brady, he’d be my easiest fight. Promise you.”
Moreover, this analysis comes on the heels of upcoming fights that promise to shape the future of the welterweight division dramatically. With Buckley’s confident approach to his rankings and opinions, it’s clear he’s not merely focused on defeating Usman but is also contemplating his positioning against fellow contenders.
As he prepares for UFC Atlanta, Buckley carries a blend of conviction and expectation. He aims not only to secure a victory over Usman but also to establish himself as a prominent contender capable of challenging Della Maddalena for the title. With a division characterized by steep competition and shifting dynamics, Buckley’s perspectives on his rivals contribute to the broader narrative that shapes the welterweight division’s story.
As we anticipate the showdown at UFC Atlanta, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, not only to see the outcome of the main event but also how Joaquin Buckley’s predictions and rankings hold up against the fierce backdrop of top-tier competition. His surprising endorsement of Ian Machado Garry as the best welterweight adds a fascinating layer to the rivalry within this highly compelling weight class.
In celebrating the resurgence of competition within the welterweight division, it’s clear that athletes like Joaquin Buckley are redefining expectations. As he takes to the Octagon, the MMA community holds its breath, awaiting the next chapter in this ever-unfolding saga. Buckley’s rising star is a testament to the thrill of mixed martial arts, where talent, strategy, and sheer determination can transform a fighter’s fate almost overnight.
The future of the welterweight division looks increasingly exciting, with prospects eager to challenge the established norms and a champion looking to defend his title against a surge of new talent. Buckley, with his bold statements and fierce ambitions, is emblematic of this shifting landscape, and audiences can expect to witness a thrilling evolution in the sport.
In conclusion, as Joaquin Buckley prepares to face Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta, he strives not just for glory in the Octagon but to reshape perceptions and hierarchies within the historic welterweight division. With all eyes on the fight, it remains to be seen if Buckley will emerge victoriously and validate his rankings or if the seasoned Usman will maintain his stronghold atop the division. Regardless of the outcome, this fight promises to be a pivotal moment in the growing narrative of the UFC welterweight landscape.
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