Joaquin Buckley has openly criticized Islam Makhachev and others in the welterweight division for their prolonged inactivity, raising concerns about stalled momentum in one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes. This discontent has surfaced weeks after Makhachev solidified his status as UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1 and secured the welterweight title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.
Following this landmark victory, several contenders like Carlos Prates and Michael Morales made significant advances within the 170-pound division by scoring impressive wins. Despite such developments, the absence of forthcoming major welterweight bouts has left fans and fighters alike questioning the future direction of the division.
Rising Contenders Reshape the Championship Landscape
UFC 322 not only showcased Makhachev’s dominance but also signaled a shakeup in the welterweight rankings. Carlos Prates delivered a knockout win over former champion Leon Edwards, while Michael Morales decisively defeated top contender Sean Brady, injecting fresh energy into title discussions. Ian Garry further strengthened his candidacy to challenge for the belt by overpowering Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision at UFC Qatar.
Despite these movements, a delay in official title fights is fueling frustration. Makhachev has expressed a desire to face welterweight great Kamaru Usman in his first title defense, yet Usman’s limited activity—registering only one win since 2021—has cast doubt on his readiness for an immediate championship bout. This tension between the champion’s preferences and the division’s current dynamics has added uncertainty at the division’s apex.
Buckley’s Critical Remarks Highlight Growing Stalemate
Joaquin Buckley did not hold back in his remarks about the welterweight division’s prolonged stasis. He called the situation “crazy,” stressing that despite the division’s high-profile status, little actual fighting is taking place. Buckley’s comments pointedly criticized several fighters for their apparent lack of urgency in scheduling and accepting fights.
“Right now, the division is on standstill. This is crazy. Look, the matchmakers know their job; they know better than me. Right now, they got the hottest division and ain’t nobody fighting. You got Islam out there playing Wrestleball. You got Prates out there partying and clubbing. You got Morales out there twerking and twirling.” Joaquin Buckley via X
This pointed message reflects Buckley’s frustration with the current inactivity, including Islam Makhachev’s evident preoccupation with wrestleball, a physically intense basketball variant popular in Dagestan. Wrestleball allows for aggressive contact and grappling as teams compete to score points—an activity Makhachev has been seen engaging in multiple times, delaying his official return to the Octagon.
Key Injuries Add to Division’s Challenges
The welterweight class faces more hurdles with the injury-related sidelining of top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov. Recently, Rakhmonov underwent a second knee surgery, which is expected to keep him out for nine to ten months. This is a significant setback for the Kazakh fighter who had been widely viewed as a top challenger for the title in 2024.
Rakhmonov’s inactivity since his win at UFC 310 further contributes to the stagnation in the division. Meanwhile, Buckley has kept his relevance by securing notable victories over established contenders like Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson, pushing his case as an active and viable welterweight contender amidst the uneven activity in the division.
Ian Garry’s Camp Signals Readiness to Challenge Makhachev
The buildup to future welterweight title fights has become a subject of intense speculation, with Ian Garry, another rising contender, eyeing a championship opportunity. Diego Lima, Garry’s head coach, sees his fighter as uniquely capable of overcoming Makhachev’s dominant grappling-heavy approach based on Garry’s recent performances and adaptability.
“The division today is one of the toughest in the UFC. This division is truly impressive. It’s a division where it’s hard to pick a favorite in almost every fight. But I believe that, without a doubt, the fight to make for the title is Ian Garry. For everything. For what he’s shown, who he’s faced, how he’s faced them, the short notice on which he accepted fights, the intelligence he’s demonstrated, and the fact he sells. He sells a lot. I believe he has all the characteristics and requirements to face Islam Makhachev for the welterweight 170 title.” Diego Lima via MMA Fighting
Lima’s confidence in Garry is grounded in the fighter’s resilience, intelligence, and readiness to seize opportunities, even on short notice. Garry has publicly voiced his determination to dethrone Makhachev and believes his victory over Belal Muhammad—who trained alongside Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov—demonstrates his preparedness to contend with the champion’s suffocating style.
Welterweight Division Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Growing Pressure
The current state of the welterweight division, marked by the absence of scheduled fights from key athletes, injury setbacks, and vocal calls for movement, underscores a period of tension and anticipation. Joaquin Buckley’s outspoken criticism articulates the frustration felt by fans and fighters wanting consistent, high-stakes matches.
Meanwhile, contenders like Ian Garry and Buckley continue to build their cases amid the inactivity of champions and sidelined prospects such as Rakhmonov. The division’s future now hinges on matchmakers’ ability to capitalize on its depth and resolve pending championship matchups.
Whether Makhachev will soon return from his wrestleball distractions and face off against rising threats remains to be seen, but the pressure for renewed activity is mounting. The welterweight class stands at a crossroads, with stakes high for the next wave of fights that could either revitalize or prolong the current standstill.
https://twitter.com/Home_of_Fight/status/2021043527476556130
Ian Machado Garry coach says his fighter meets all of the "requirements " to fight Islam Makhachev next:
"For who he’s faced, how he’s faced them, the short notice on which he accepted fights, the intelligence he’s demonstrated, and the fact he sells."
(🎥 @guicruzzz) pic.twitter.com/U9ekN6sGN1
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 9, 2026
