Joaquin Yuconri Buckley Bio
Joaquin Yuconri Buckley is an American professional mixed martial artist born on April 27, 1994, in St. Louis, Missouri. He competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has been active professionally since 2014. Buckley is recognized for his striking skills and has gained significant attention for his knockout victories.
Early Life and Background
Buckley was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he lived with his mother in his grandmother’s house during his youth. His mother passed away from a heart condition when he was in the sixth grade. He began wrestling at Marquette High School, which sparked his interest in mixed martial arts. After graduating, Buckley started training in MMA, setting the foundation for his professional career.
Path to MMA
Buckley started his professional MMA career in 2014, competing in regional promotions such as Shamrock FC, Bellator MMA, and Legacy Fighting Alliance. He compiled a 10–2 record during this period, gaining valuable experience and exposure. Notably, he faced Logan Storley at Bellator 197 in 2018 but lost by unanimous decision. Following two consecutive TKO wins in LFA, Buckley was signed by the UFC, marking his transition to the sport’s highest level.
Joaquin Buckley Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
Buckley began his professional MMA career in 2014, fighting primarily in regional circuits. His early years included bouts in Shamrock FC and Bellator MMA, where he developed his striking and grappling skills. Despite a loss to Logan Storley in 2018, Buckley demonstrated resilience and skill, earning two TKO victories in Legacy Fighting Alliance that paved the way for his UFC debut.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2020–Present)
Buckley made his UFC debut on August 8, 2020, against Kevin Holland but lost via technical knockout in the third round. He quickly rebounded with a spectacular knockout win over Impa Kasanganay in October 2020, delivering a spinning back kick that went viral and earned him the Performance of the Night bonus. This knockout became the most-watched UFC video on social media platforms. Buckley continued to impress with knockout victories over Jordan Wright and Antônio Arroyo, each earning him additional Performance of the Night awards. Throughout his UFC tenure, Buckley has faced a mix of wins and losses but remains a notable contender in the welterweight division.
Finney’s MMA Era (Present)
Currently training with Finney’s MMA, Buckley competes in the welterweight division. His recent performances include wins by technical knockout and unanimous decision against top opponents, showcasing his striking prowess and adaptability. Buckley’s momentum continues as he prepares for high-profile bouts, maintaining his reputation as a dynamic and exciting fighter.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Buckley is known for his striking ability, particularly his powerful and creative knockout techniques. His agility and timing allow him to execute spectacular strikes, including spinning kicks that have captivated fans worldwide. His resilience and strategic approach in the octagon complement his offensive skills, making him a formidable opponent.
Notable Events and Milestones
Buckley’s spinning back kick knockout against Impa Kasanganay in 2020 stands as a career-defining moment, earning viral acclaim and multiple Performance of the Night bonuses. He has accumulated four Performance of the Night awards in the UFC, highlighting his impact and entertainment value in the sport.
Joaquin Buckley Career Wins
Joaquin Buckley has achieved 21 professional wins out of 28 fights, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His record reflects his versatility and effectiveness across multiple MMA disciplines.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Buckley has secured several notable wins, including his viral knockout of Impa Kasanganay and subsequent victories over Jordan Wright and Antônio Arroyo. His most recent wins include technical knockouts and unanimous decisions against high-level competition, underscoring his status as a top welterweight contender.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to the UFC, Buckley compiled a strong record in Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Alliance, where he earned key victories that led to his signing with the UFC. His early career successes laid the groundwork for his rise in the sport.
Joaquin Buckley Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Buckley’s early life was marked by the loss of his mother during his childhood. He was raised primarily in his grandmother’s home in St. Louis, Missouri. There is no public information regarding a family history in sports or MMA.
Personal Life
Joaquin Buckley resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Buckley continues to compete in the UFC welterweight division, maintaining a position among the top-ranked fighters. He faced former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman in June 2025, earning a Fight of the Night award despite losing by unanimous decision. Buckley remains active with scheduled bouts against high-profile opponents, demonstrating his ongoing relevance and competitiveness in the division. His partnership with Finney’s MMA supports his preparation and performance as he aims to climb the welterweight rankings further.