Joaquin Buckley is eager to get back into contention octagon so he can return to winning ways. However, the 31-year-old stated in a recent interview that he would put certain conditions on the UFC brass before they book his next fight if things don’t go his way.
The now No. 9-ranked 170-pounder’s rise was halted by former champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta last year. The 38-year-old used his wrestling to undermine Buckley’s striking ability and dragged the latter to the mat. “New Mansa” couldn’t find a way to get up and land a fight ending blow, causing his hand to go up and be lost by decision.
In 2026, ‘New Mansa’ Shavkat Rakhmonov repeatedly called for a fight. However, ‘Nomad’ was recently removed from the rankings after injuring the same knee that sidelined him for over a year.
Earlier this week, Buckley expressed his frustration with the hotshots of the 170-pound division for remaining inactive. He wants to fight a top contender next and remains ready, as his recent training footage suggests. He also called out Jack Della Maddalena as he believed a fight with ‘JDM’ would be ‘good money’.
“If I can get anyone active, I’d say JDM. JDM and I would make good money. It’s not about where he is in the rankings, as No. 1. But I think me and JDM, stylistically, are just fireworks. And I’m sure because of what we’ve both been through, we’ll be retained… I think we’d do a good job and we’d be happy with the work we do once we’re in battle.”
Check out Joaquin Buckley’s comments below:
Joaquin Buckley demands new contract
In a recent interview with Parry punchJoaquin Buckley said he wants to fight someone above him next time and that he still has his sights on Jack Della Maddalena. “New Mansa” is open to a lower-ranked opponent, if that’s what the matchmakers serve up on the board.
However, if Buckley has to fight an opponent below him, he will want a new contract before that fight. The UFC has signed a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, and Buckley wants to make the most of it and get better checks. He said:
“I’m looking for a new deal. You know what I mean? To see myself in a position where I can work towards a world title. Um, and it would only make sense if I’m not fighting someone of name caliber, that if I fight someone ranked, I would have to fight for a new deal and that would be my reward.”
Watch Joaquin Buckley’s comments below (7:45):
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