Uncertainty frequently looms in the mixed martial arts world, and Joaquin Buckley is prepared to enter the ring. With uncertainty surrounding Stephen Thompson’s commitment to his December 16 UFC 296 matchup against Shavkat Rakhmonov, Buckley sees an opportunity to establish himself.
At T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Thompson, a seasoned veteran with a record of 17-6-1 in mixed martial arts and 12-6-1 in the UFC, will take on the unbeaten Rakhmonov (17-0 in MMA and 5-0 in the UFC). But Buckley (17-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC), who plans to make a comeback in December, thinks there may be more to the story.
Buckley recently told Middle Easy that he would be willing to fill in for Thompson should the need arise. Buckley senses that Thompson is a tough fighter, but he also believes that “Wonderboy” might not make it to the bout.
“With all due respect, ‘Wonderboy.'” Even though he’s always been a tough guy and ready for a fight, something tells me he won’t show up for that. “Let’s get ready, because something tells me ‘Wonderboy’ ain’t coming to that one,” said Buckley.
Buckley’s suspicion is based on Thompson’s prior public rejection of a duel with Rakhmonov. Buckley notes that although fighting is a mental game, Thompson’s initial apprehension about taking on Rakhmonov may have influenced his choices regarding the upcoming match.
“Man, fighers know fighters.” Since ‘Wonderboy’ hasn’t wanted to fight Shavkat for a long time, to be honest, I assume the UFC offered him a nice little bag to get him in there. Anyway, I’m throwing up a little lob because this sport is all mental. For some strange reason, I don’t think ‘Wonderboy’ is going to make it to that cage, so let’s get ready,” speculatively stated Buckley.
Since making a comeback to the welterweight division, Buckley has been successful, defeating Alex Morono and Andre Fialho. If Thompson does decide to pull out of the fight, Buckley will be ready to take advantage of the opportunity because of his recent victories and desire to remain competitive.
Buckley is prepared, demonstrating the unpredictability of the sport and the fighters’ constant readiness for any challenge that may come their way, while the mixed martial arts community speculates about what will happen to the main event of UFC 296. Whether Buckley answers the call or not, his willingness to step up is indicative of the fortitude and mentality needed in the dynamic world of mixed martial arts.
