Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Buckley Believes Makhachev’s Welterweight Reign Will Be Short-Lived

Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Joaquin Buckley, who is currently riding a hot winning streak, faces Kamaru Usman in the UFC Atlanta main event on June 14, 2025, and is aiming to cement his status as the welterweight’s next contender. Fresh off a career-defining 2024 with wins over Vincent Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington, Buckley sees a victory coming his way over the former champion as his ticket to a title shot. However, the welterweight scenario is complicated by a looming superfight between champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, who vacated his lightweight title to chase the welterweight strap.

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Buckley respects the UFC’s business move to prioritize Makhachev’s star power but believes the Dagestani’s time at 170 pounds may be brief at best. Speculations are on going about Makhachev, wary of a potential matchup with Ilia Topuria, could retire after capturing the welterweight belt. As Buckley faces Usman, his focus remains on stealing the spotlight and positioning himself for the division’s future.

Buckley’s Bold Prediction on Makhachev’s Welterweight Plans

At the UFC Atlanta pre-fight press conference, Buckley expressed confidence that a win over Usman would make him the undeniable No.1 contender. He acknowledged the UFC’s decision to grant Makhachev a direct welterweight title shot against Della Maddalena, stating that Makhachev’s lightweight dominance and his star power as the reasons behind it. However, Buckley predicted that if Makhachev wins the 170-pound belt, he’ll retire rather than defend it, especially to avoid clashes against dangerous fighters that are coming up, as he gets older. “He’s done everything he needs to do,” Buckley said, suggesting Makhachev’s welterweight run is a “legacy pass.”

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Buckley is focused to take down the former champ, who he has also been in awe of. Usman, despite a three-fight losing streak, is still one of the most dangerous fighters in the welterweight division and he’s a former champ for a reason, which Buckley is not in denial of. “He’s still dangerous,” Buckley pointed out, clearly knowing that the former champ can pull of a win. A victory for Buckley could complicate the Welterweight belt situation even more as the traffic at the top seems to be increasing.

Islam Makhachev

Joaquin Buckley

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