Almost three years ago today, Joaquin Buckley delivered a knockout heard ’round the world, setting the UFC ablaze with his spinning back kick victory over Impa Kasanganay in Abu Dhabi. That moment catapulted him into the MMA spotlight, but the 29-year-old fighter from St. Louis doesn’t consider it his defining moment. For Buckley, it was just the beginning of what he believes will be a remarkable career.
Buckley has since stepped into the Octagon ten times, competing in two different weight classes. Still, he maintains that his signature performance has yet to come, saying, “I think it’s coming. Give it a year.”
His confidence isn’t unfounded, as Buckley has already showcased his skills against formidable opponents in the middleweight division. Now, having shifted down to welterweight, he feels he’s poised to outclass the current contenders at 170 pounds. This assertion was vindicated when he knocked out André Fialho in May during his welterweight debut. Buckley attributes his success to his strength, speed, footwork, and punching combinations, which he believes will make him a formidable force in the welterweight division as he continues to climb the ladder.
His next challenge will come in the form of seasoned veteran Alex Morono at UFC Fight Night: Dawson vs. Green. Morono, a Houston-based fighter, boasts a solid track record, having defeated fighters like Max Griffin, Donald Cerrone, Matthew Semelsberger, and Tim Means. If not for a short-notice loss to Santiago Ponzinibbio, Morono would enter the bout on a six-fight win streak.
Buckley respects Morono’s willingness to engage in a scrap and anticipates an exhilarating fight when they meet on October 7. He states, “At the end of the day, Alex Morono is coming out there, and he’s going to try to bang. He’s going to try to knock my head off, and I need another banger as well. At the end of the day, everybody is going to win.”
Buckley is well-prepared for this challenge, having meticulously studied Morono’s game. He emphasizes the need to be ready for any scenario in the unpredictable world of MMA, saying, “There are so many ways to win, but there are so many ways to lose. You just got to make sure that you’re prepared for anything that might happen.”
For Buckley, the journey to becoming a true UFC contender extends beyond physical attributes. He’s discovered the importance of maintaining the right mindset and blocking out external influences. In his move to welterweight, he’s found that mental space to focus on both his growth as a fighter and as a person, stating, “Always focus on yourself and make sure that you’re not just getting better in the training room, but in life.”
