Joaquim Buckley

About

Knockout artist who authored one of the greatest highlight-reel finishes in MMA history, then reinvented himself as a welterweight contender.

Joaquin Buckley went from relative unknown to global highlight in a single instant. His 2020 spinning back-kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay was named Knockout of the Year and remains one of the most replayed finishes in the sport's history, the kind of clip that pulls casual fans into MMA.

The challenge for Buckley was proving he was more than one moment, and he did. After an inconsistent stretch at middleweight, he dropped to welterweight and found his best version, blending explosive, unpredictable striking with improved composure to string together statement wins and climb the 170-pound rankings. His blend of power and creativity makes him a threat to finish anyone on any given night.

That rise eventually ran into the division's elite, with a loss to top grappler Sean Brady marking the level of competition he now operates at. Whether or not he reaches a title, Buckley has earned his place as one of welterweight's most exciting and dangerous attractions, a fighter casual fans seek out specifically for the chance to see something spectacular.