Joaquin Buckley is eager to return to the UFC octagon and reclaim his winning form, but the 31-year-old insists on securing a new contract before accepting any fight, especially if it involves an opponent ranked below him. Buckley’s demand comes amid ongoing frustration with inactivity among top contenders in the welterweight division.
Buckley’s Clash with Kamaru Usman and Recent Setbacks
Ranked ninth in the 170-pound division, Buckley’s momentum was stalled last year when former champion Kamaru Usman defeated him by decision at UFC Atlanta. Usman capitalized on his wrestling skills to dominate the bout, preventing Buckley from showcasing his striking and leaving him unable to mount a comeback. Since that loss, Buckley has tried to secure fights with notable names, including multiple calls for a match against Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Unfortunately, Buckley’s hopes were further complicated after he suffered a knee injury—the same one that kept him sidelined for over a year—resulting in his removal from the official rankings. Despite setbacks, Buckley remains active in training and has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the division’s current standstill.
Targeting Top Contenders: The Callout of Jack Della Maddalena
In recent weeks, Buckley has directed his attention toward Jack Della Maddalena, the division’s No.1 contender, suggesting a fight between the two would be highly competitive and entertaining. According to Buckley, the stylistic matchup and shared experiences of adversity promise a bout full of excitement and intensity.
“If I can get anybody active, I’d say JDM. Me and JDM would be good money. It ain’t because of where he is placed on the rankings, as No.1. But I think me and JDM, stylistically, we’re just meant, fireworks. And I’m sure because of what we both went through, getting held down… I think we’d be good work and we would be satisfied with the work we put on once we fight each other.” – Joaquin Buckley, UFC welterweight contender
Buckley remains open to facing lower-ranked opponents if matchmakers arrange those bouts. Still, he emphasizes his priority is to compete against top-tier fighters to push toward a title shot.
Contract Terms Become Key before Accepting Future Fights
In an interview with Parry Punch, Buckley revealed that if he must take a fight against an opponent ranked beneath him, he insists on finalizing a fresh contract beforehand. This demand aligns with the UFC’s recent seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting agreement with Paramount, signaling increased revenue and earning potential within the promotion. Buckley wants his compensation to reflect his status and aspirations.
“I’m looking to get a new deal. You know what I’m saying? In order for myself to see myself in a position where I’m able to work towards a world title. Um, and it would only make sense if I’m not fighting of anybody of name caliber, that if I fight somebody down the rankings that I should fight for a new deal and that’d be my reward.” – Joaquin Buckley, UFC welterweight contender
This stance reflects Buckley’s desire to ensure his career trajectory and financial terms are aligned before returning to competition.
Implications for Buckley and the UFC Welterweight Division
Joaquin Buckley stands at a critical juncture in his career as he aims to bounce back after injury and recent losses. His insistence on a new contract before taking less prominent fights underscores his ambitions to contend for the world title and maximize his value in the evolving UFC landscape. With the welterweight division experiencing a lull due to inactivity among key fighters, Buckley’s calls for action put pressure on the UFC brass to arrange high-profile matchups.
If Buckley secures a fight with a leading contender such as Jack Della Maddalena, it could reignite his rise and bring fresh excitement to the welterweight class. Meanwhile, UFC officials will need to weigh his contract demands carefully, as accommodating them might influence negotiation dynamics for other fighters as well. Ultimately, how quickly Buckley returns and under what terms will impact both his own future and the competitive balance of the division.
