Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin Buckley is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of June 2026, he holds the #9 spot in the official UFC welterweight rankings, a position earned through a string of explosive performances and high-profile wins. Buckley is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers in the division, known for his ability to produce viral, highlight-reel finishes that have made him a fan favorite.

Currently training out of Finney's MMA and Murcielago MMA in St. Louis, Buckley has built a reputation for relentless pressure and creative knockout power. His 2024 victory over former interim champion Colby Covington cemented his status as a legitimate contender, and he remains an active presence in the welterweight title conversation. Fans follow him for his electrifying style and his unfiltered, confident persona both inside and outside the cage. [edit]

Joaquin Buckley was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he lived with his mother and grandmother. His mother passed away from a heart condition when he was in the sixth grade, a loss that shaped his early years. He attended Marquette High School, where he took up wrestling and developed the competitive foundation that would later fuel his MMA career.

After graduating high school, Buckley transitioned directly into mixed martial arts training, making his professional debut in 2014 on the regional circuit. He fought primarily under the Shamrock FC banner, building a record against local competition. In 2016, he earned a call-up to Bellator MMA, where he delivered a memorable knee knockout victory over Chris Heatherly at Bellator 157. A subsequent loss to Logan Storley in 2018 sent him back to the regional scene, but Buckley continued to refine his striking and eventually earned a contract with the UFC through a strong run on the independent circuit. [edit]

Buckley's UFC debut came in August 2020, but it was his second fight that truly announced his arrival. In October 2020, he delivered a spinning back-kick knockout that went viral, becoming one of the most viewed finishes in MMA history and earning him a Performance of the Night bonus. That moment established him as a must-watch talent in the middleweight division.

After a mixed run at 185 pounds, Buckley dropped to welterweight in 2022, a move that revitalized his career. He put together a four-fight winning streak, including victories over Andre Fialho and Alex Morono, before securing the biggest win of his career in December 2024: a third-round TKO over former interim champion Colby Covington at UFC Fight Night. The win pushed him into the top ten of the welterweight rankings. In June 2025, he faced former champion Kamaru Usman in a competitive bout, losing a unanimous decision but proving he could hang with elite competition. Buckley is scheduled to fight Sean Brady in May 2026 at UFC 328, a matchup that could propel him closer to a title shot. [edit]

Buckley is known for his explosive, fan-friendly fighting style that prioritizes finishes over decision wins. His spinning back-kick knockout in 2020 remains one of the most replayed moments in UFC history, and he has cultivated a reputation as a highlight machine. Media and fans often describe him as one of the most exciting welterweights on the roster, praising his creativity and willingness to take risks.

Outside the cage, Buckley projects a confident, sometimes brash persona, frequently engaging with fans and critics on social media. He has built a loyal following among MMA enthusiasts who appreciate his authenticity and his St. Louis roots. His fights are consistently anticipated for their potential to produce memorable moments, and he is seen as a key figure in the resurgence of the St. Louis MMA scene. [edit]

Joaquin Buckley is currently evaluated by the iFANN Global Fame Engine but does not hold a placement in the published rankings, meaning he falls outside the Global Top 1,000 and any specific Top-100 scope lists. This status reflects a moment where his massive cultural footprint within mixed martial arts has not yet translated into a quantified global celebrity rank, despite his undeniable presence as a top-tier welterweight contender. The absence of a numeric position does not diminish his standing; rather, it highlights a unique tier of fame where a fighter commands a devoted following without fitting standard algorithmic models. His fanbase, known simply as followers of "New Mansa" or by the hashtag #Buckgomedov, operates with an intensity that rivals formalized armies like Team McGregor. This community coalesces around his nickname, a tribute to the historical wealth of Mansa Musa, and rallies behind his narrative of resilience after recent setbacks. Fans actively engage with his technical grappling content under the banner of "Rate My Wrestling Technique," creating a niche ecosystem of appreciation for his evolution beyond just striking. The anticipation of his pre-fight dance routines serves as a mandatory ritual before every bout, transforming his appearances into shared cultural moments that unite thousands on social media. While no formal organization leads large-scale charity drives or subway campaigns, the "New Mansa" identity itself inspires a sense of generosity and heritage that fans emulate in their support. The lore surrounding his career, from viral betting controversies to the dramatic arc of redemption following losses to Sean Brady, fuels a deep emotional investment among his audience. They track his journey toward potential title contention with a dedication that transcends typical fight fandom, treating each step of his path as a chapter in an ongoing saga of dominance.[edit]

Buckley's nickname "New Mansa" is a direct reference to Mansa Musa, the 14th-century West African emperor known for his immense wealth. He adopted this moniker around 2019 to reflect ambition and prosperity, moving away from his earlier name "Young Buck." A noted fan of anime, Buckley frequently weaves Japanese pop culture references into his interviews and social media posts. His keen interest in history, particularly ancient African empires, inspired both his nickname and specific designs on his fight gear. Beyond the established facts, Buckley's legend is cemented by his iconic spinning back-kick knockout against Michael Chiesa, a strike widely considered one of the craziest finishes ever seen in UFC history. This moment, often replayed globally, defined his reputation as a highlight machine capable of ending fights with spectacular flair. Another pillar of his folklore is the mysterious betting controversy prior to his fight with Sean Brady, where unusual market movements sparked speculation about insider knowledge, a story fans still retell as a strange chapter in his career drama. The narrative of his redemption arc also holds weight, especially after his loss to Brady, leading to high-profile matchups like his scheduled bout against Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton, which fans view as a pivotal test of his resilience.[edit]

Buckley was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother in St. Louis. His mother passed away from a heart condition when he was in the sixth grade, a formative loss he has spoken about in interviews. He has not publicly shared details about his father or siblings. Buckley currently resides in St. Louis and does not have a publicly known spouse or children. He keeps his personal life largely private, focusing media attention on his fighting career. [edit]

Buckley trains alongside UFC veterans at Finney's MMA and Murcielago MMA in St. Louis. He has shared the card with notable fighters such as Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, and his rise has drawn comparisons to other explosive welterweights like Jorge Masvidal. [edit]

Buckley keeps his romantic life out of the public eye. As of 2026, there are no confirmed reports of a current partner or past relationships. He has not been linked to any public figures and rarely discusses personal relationships in interviews. His focus remains on his fighting career and training. [edit]

As of 2026, Joaquin Buckley's net worth is estimated at $2 Million per iFANN's editorial analysis. The bulk of his income stems from his UFC fight purses, which have surged significantly since securing his spot in the top ten rankings. His base salary for headlining bouts sits in the six-figure range, supplemented by performance bonuses and pay-per-view points. The Covington fight alone generated a disclosed purse of $250,000 alongside a Performance of the Night bonus. Additional revenue flows through sponsorship deals with combat sports brands and a modest social media presence that generates supplementary income. His financial growth has tracked steadily upward since the viral explosion of his 2020 knockout, marking a transition from rising prospect to established star.[edit]

Buckley has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC for his highlight-reel finishes. He has not yet won a major individual award or championship belt, but his 2024 win over Colby Covington was recognized as one of the year's biggest upsets by several MMA media outlets. [edit]