Joaquin Buckley is confident he deserves the next welterweight title shot if he defeats Kamaru Usman this Saturday at UFC Atlanta. The rising contender believes his potential victory should put him ahead of Islam Makhachev in the title queue.
Buckley faces former champion Usman at State Farm Arena in what represents his biggest test to date. The fight comes as the welterweight division experiences major changes following Jack Della Maddalena’s upset victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.
Buckley’s Bold Claims
The Missouri fighter made strong statements about his title shot chances and Makhachev’s future plans.
“Once I beat Kamaru Usman, there’s no debate, there’s no argument, we up next,” Buckley said on YouTube. “You got this guy from 155 coming up thinking he gonna take my spot. The JDM vs Islam fight is not a massive fight to make. I truly believe that Islam just gotta sit back and wait for me to get my title. Because I will be the hardest fight that Islam has. He’s not gonna outwrestle me, he’s not gonna submit me. I’ve never been submitted in my career. And he definitely not gonna stand on the feet with me.”
Buckley went further with his predictions about Makhachev’s commitment to the welterweight division.
“If Islam does beat JDM, he’s not gonna stay there. He’s gonna retire because he knows he’s not a natural 170 fighter. Especially with myself, he’s definitely gonna run from a person like me,” Buckley continued.
The welterweight title picture became complicated when Della Maddalena shocked Muhammad to claim the championship. This victory opened the door for Makhachev to pursue his long-desired move from lightweight.
UFC CEO Dana White has already verbally guaranteed Makhachev the next title shot. The former lightweight champion successfully defended his 155-pound title four times before announcing his welterweight move.
Makhachev previously avoided moving to welterweight out of loyalty to his friend Muhammad. With Muhammad no longer champion, those concerns disappeared.
Buckley’s Winning Streak
The contender known as “New Mansa” enters Saturday’s fight riding significant momentum. He has won six consecutive fights with impressive finishes over established welterweights.
His recent victories include stoppage wins against Stephen Thompson and Vicente Luque. Most notably, he dominated former title challenger Colby Covington in his last appearance.
This streak has elevated Buckley from prospect to legitimate contender status within the division.
Kamaru Usman faces a crucial test in his return to welterweight competition. The former champion has not fought at 170 pounds since losing his title to Leon Edwards in consecutive bouts during 2022 and 2023.
Following those defeats, Usman moved to middleweight for a fight against Khamzat Chimaev, which resulted in another loss. Saturday marks his first welterweight appearance in over a year.
Usman dominated the division for years before his recent struggles. He successfully defended the title five times during his championship reign, establishing himself among the greatest welterweights in UFC history.
Style Matchup Confidence
Buckley believes his fighting style creates specific problems for wrestlers like Makhachev. His takedown defense and striking power represent potential challenges for grapplers transitioning from lighter weight classes.
The contender has never been submitted during his professional career, supporting his confidence about facing elite wrestlers. His striking ability adds another dimension that could trouble fighters moving up from lightweight.
Current champion Della Maddalena captured the title in upset fashion, beginning his reign during a period of significant division activity. Multiple contenders believe they deserve the next championship opportunity.
Saturday’s results will significantly influence title shot discussions and division rankings. Buckley needs a convincing victory over Usman to strengthen his case against the promotional commitment to Makhachev.
