Why MMA Fans Are Talking About Joaquin Buckley Right Now

Joaquin Buckley is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC today. Known for his explosive knockout power and aggressive fighting style, Buckley has built a strong fan base across the MMA world

While many fighters gain attention through championship runs, Buckley became famous because of a knockout that many fans still consider one of the greatest in UFC history.

In recent years, Buckley has continued to make headlines with impressive wins over top-ranked opponents.

His rise in the UFC welterweight division, combined with his viral knockout highlights and recent high-profile fights, has kept him in the spotlight.

So why is Joaquin Buckley trending? The answer lies in a combination of unforgettable knockouts, strong UFC performances and his continued relevance in one of the promotion’s most competitive divisions.

This article explores Buckley’s career, his viral moments, recent fights and what makes him one of the most talked-about fighters in mixed martial arts today.

Also Read: Priya Patel Bio: Viral Fame, Controversy and Global Reactions

Who Is Joaquin Buckley?

Joaquin Buckley is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s welterweight division. Born on April 27, 1994, in St. Louis, Missouri, Buckley developed a reputation as a powerful striker with knockout ability from the beginning of his MMA career.¹

Nicknamed “New Mansa,” Buckley is known for his athleticism, explosive speed and willingness to engage in exciting stand-up battles.

Before joining the UFC, he competed in several MMA promotions and built valuable experience against quality opponents.

Buckley made his UFC debut in 2020. Although he lost his first fight against Kevin Holland, he quickly bounced back and became a global sensation just two months later with a knockout that changed his career forever.

Hate the farmer that took yo belt nigga not me 🤣 #HateTheBoerNigga Stand on business bout Africa or china or wherever the fuck you from bitch 😆 https://t.co/f8vJfIdMjz

— Joaquin New Mansa Buckley (@Newmansa94) June 16, 2025

Stats Table

Why Is Joaquin Buckley Trending?

There are several reasons why Joaquin Buckley continues to trend among UFC fans and sports media.²

1. One of the Most Viral Knockouts in UFC History

The biggest reason Buckley became famous was his stunning knockout victory over Impa Kasanganay in October 2020.

During the fight, Buckley attempted a kick that was caught by his opponent. Instead of losing balance, he jumped off his planted leg and landed a spinning back kick directly to Kasanganay’s head.

The knockout was immediate and spectacular. The clip spread rapidly across social media and became one of the most viewed UFC highlights ever.

The knockout generated millions of views across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

It was widely recognized as one of the best knockouts in UFC history and won several “Knockout of the Year” awards.

2. His Rise in the Welterweight Division

After competing at middleweight, Buckley moved to welterweight and found significant success.

The change allowed him to compete against opponents closer to his natural size while maintaining his power advantage. The move helped him put together impressive victories and climb the rankings.

His performances against established UFC names helped transform him from a viral knockout artist into a legitimate contender.

3. Wins Over Big UFC Names

Buckley’s popularity increased because he defeated several respected UFC veterans.

Some of his notable wins include:

• Stephen Thompson
• Colby Covington
• Vicente Luque
• Alex Morono
• Nursulton Ruziboev

The knockout win over Stephen Thompson was especially important because Thompson is regarded as one of the most skilled strikers in UFC history. Defeating such a respected veteran boosted Buckley’s reputation significantly.

4. Recent High-Profile UFC Fights

Buckley has remained relevant because he continues to appear in major UFC events.

His recent fights against former UFC champion Kamaru Usman and top contender Sean Brady attracted significant attention from fans and media.

Although Buckley lost both contests by decision, he proved that he belongs among the elite fighters in the division.

5. Upcoming Main Event Opportunities

Another reason Buckley is trending is his continued involvement in UFC main events. Reports indicate that Buckley is scheduled to headline UFC Edmonton against Mike Malott.

Main event opportunities are generally reserved for fighters who attract fan interest and have meaningful positions in the rankings.

The Knockout That Changed Everything

Many UFC fans discovered Joaquin Buckley through a single highlight.

The famous spinning back kick knockout against Impa Kasanganay instantly became one of the sport’s most recognizable moments.

Commentators, fighters and fans praised the creativity and athleticism required to execute the technique. What made the knockout special was the unusual sequence.

Most fighters struggle after having their kick caught. Buckley turned a potentially disadvantageous position into a highlight-reel finish.

The knockout was replayed on sports shows around the world and introduced Buckley to audiences who had never watched him fight before. Even years later, the clip remains one of the most viewed MMA videos online.

Recent UFC Performances

Victory Over Stephen Thompson

One of Buckley’s most impressive wins came against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.

Thompson is known for elite striking and years of experience against top UFC competition. Many fans viewed the matchup as a major test for Buckley.

Buckley passed that test with a knockout victory in the third round. The win demonstrated that he could defeat a highly respected veteran and compete at a high level in the welterweight division.

The performance also earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

Win Against Colby Covington

Buckley followed up his success with a victory over former interim UFC champion Colby Covington.

Covington entered the fight as one of the division’s most recognizable names. Buckley delivered a strong performance and earned a doctor-stoppage TKO victory after damage around Covington’s eye forced the contest to end.

The win significantly improved Buckley’s position in the rankings and increased discussions about his title aspirations.

Loss to Kamaru Usman

In June 2025, Buckley faced former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a main event fight.

Usman’s wrestling and experience proved difficult to overcome. Buckley lost by unanimous decision but many observers felt he gained valuable experience against one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history.

The fight also earned Fight of the Night recognition, showing that Buckley remained competitive against elite opposition.

Fight Against Sean Brady

Buckley’s next major challenge came against Sean Brady.

The matchup was considered important because both fighters were trying to strengthen their positions in the welterweight rankings.

Brady used his wrestling and overall game to secure a unanimous decision victory.

While Buckley did not get the result he wanted, the fight demonstrated that he remains a significant figure in the division and continues to face top-level competition.

Also Read: Valentina Gomez: Biography, UK Ban and Political Controversy

What Makes Joaquin Buckley So Popular?

Several factors contribute to Buckley’s popularity.³

Explosive Knockout Power

Fans enjoy fighters who can finish a fight at any moment. Buckley possesses that ability. With numerous knockout victories on his record, he is always a threat whenever he enters the Octagon.

Entertaining Fighting Style

Buckley rarely participates in boring fights. His aggressive approach creates excitement and keeps fans engaged from the opening bell to the final seconds.

Athleticism

Buckley’s speed and explosiveness allow him to perform techniques that many fighters cannot execute effectively. His famous spinning knockout remains the best example of his unique athletic ability.

Social Media Appeal

Highlight-reel finishes perform extremely well on social media platforms. Because Buckley consistently produces memorable moments, clips of his fights continue to circulate among MMA fans worldwide.

Career Achievements and Recognition

Buckley has received several notable awards and accomplishments throughout his UFC career.

Some of the most significant include:

• Multiple Performance of the Night bonuses
• Fight of the Night honors
• UFC Knockout of the Year recognition
• MMA media awards for breakout performances
• Consistent ranking among top UFC welterweights

These achievements show that Buckley has evolved from a viral sensation into a respected competitor within the sport.

Can Joaquin Buckley Become a UFC Champion?

This is one of the most common questions among UFC fans.

Buckley has already shown that he can defeat ranked opponents and headline major UFC events. His knockout power gives him a chance against almost anyone in the division.

However, the welterweight division remains highly competitive. Fighters with strong wrestling backgrounds have created challenges for Buckley in recent years.

To reach championship level, he must continue improving his defensive wrestling and overall game.

Despite recent setbacks, Buckley remains young enough to make another run toward title contention.

His athletic ability and determination suggest that he could still compete for a championship opportunity in the future.

Joaquin Buckley’s Impact on UFC Fans

Few fighters create memorable moments the way Buckley does.

Many athletes build careers through steady victories. Buckley achieved something different.

He created a moment that instantly became part of UFC history.

Even fans who do not regularly follow mixed martial arts often recognize his famous spinning knockout. That level of recognition is rare in combat sports.

His journey from viral star to ranked contender has also inspired many younger fighters.

It demonstrates that a single opportunity can change an athlete’s career when preparation meets execution.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joaquin Buckley (@joaquinbuckleyofficial)

FAQ’s

Why is Joaquin Buckley trending?

Joaquin Buckley is trending because of his famous viral knockout, recent UFC performances against top-ranked opponents and continued involvement in major UFC events. His upcoming fights and ranking position also keep him in the spotlight.

What is Joaquin Buckley’s most famous knockout?

His spinning back kick knockout against Impa Kasanganay in October 2020 is widely considered his most famous finish. Many fans regard it as one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history.

What is Joaquin Buckley’s UFC record?

Buckley’s professional MMA record currently stands at 21 wins and 8 losses according to UFC statistics.

Has Joaquin Buckley fought for a UFC title?

As of now, Buckley has not fought for a UFC championship. However, he has competed against several top contenders and former champions.

What weight class does Joaquin Buckley compete in?

Joaquin Buckley currently competes in the UFC welterweight division.

Who are some notable fighters Joaquin Buckley has defeated?

Buckley has notable victories over Stephen Thompson, Colby Covington, Vicente Luque, Alex Morono and Nursulton Ruziboev.

Conclusion

Joaquin Buckley remains one of the UFC’s most exciting fighters.

His incredible spinning back kick knockout turned him into an overnight sensation and helped establish his place in MMA history.

Since then, he has proven that he is more than just a viral highlight by defeating respected opponents and competing against elite fighters in the welterweight division.

The reasons Buckley is trending today extend beyond a single knockout.

His victories over major UFC names, recent high-profile fights and continued presence in main events keep fans interested in his career.

Although he has faced setbacks against top contenders like Kamaru Usman and Sean Brady, he remains a dangerous and entertaining fighter with the ability to produce unforgettable moments.

As Buckley continues his UFC journey, fans will be watching closely to see whether he can turn his exciting performances into a championship opportunity.

One thing is certain: whenever Joaquin Buckley steps into the Octagon, there is always the possibility of another viral moment.

Also Read: Priya Patel Bio: Viral Fame, Controversy and Global Reactions

1. wiki
2. ufc
3. espn