Joaquin Buckley's Frustration: A Call to Action in the UFC Welterweight Division
The UFC's welterweight division is in a peculiar state, and Joaquin Buckley is not holding back on expressing his frustration. Buckley, known as "New Mansa", had a stellar 2024 with four wins, only to be met with a stark contrast in 2025, where he fought just once, losing a decision to the formidable Kamaru Usman.
But here's where it gets controversial: Buckley is now calling out the entire division, claiming they are wasting time and not taking action. He takes to social media with a bold statement, "The division is on standby." Buckley's words are a wake-up call to his fellow fighters and matchmakers, urging them to get the division moving again.
He points out the inactivity of several top welterweights: "Islam [Makhachev] is playing wrestle ball, Prates is partying, Morales is twerking and twirling. JDM is crying, Leon is missing, Belal is selling war meals, and Ian Gary is watching from the corner." Buckley's frustration is palpable as he questions the lack of progress in the division.
And this is the part most people miss: Buckley's sentiments echo those of Michael "Venom" Page, who has been vocal about the political nature of the welterweight division. Page, frustrated with the lack of fights, even ventured into middleweight due to limited options at 170 pounds. The issue lies in the fighters' pursuit of the best possible matchups, often avoiding risks and waiting for title shot opportunities.
Buckley suggests Jack Della Maddalena, the current No. 1 welterweight, as his ideal opponent. This choice highlights the problem within the division, as fighters aim for the top spots without wanting to "fight down." The system, it seems, promotes this cautious approach.
While it's understandable that fighters want to maximize their opportunities, the UFC's brass may need to intervene to create more action. The question remains: Will the UFC step in and shake things up? The welterweight division's stagnation has been a topic of discussion for years, but will there be any significant changes? Only time will tell, and Buckley's bold statements might just be the spark needed to ignite some much-needed controversy and progress.
