Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley isn’t one to hold back — and in a recent media appearance, the surging UFC welterweight let the MMA world have it, calling out Kamaru Usman, weighing in on a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena (JDM) fight, and making it crystal clear: he wants all the smoke.
Buckley on Kamaru Usman: “You Holding Up the Division!”
Buckley didn’t mince words when asked about former welterweight king Kamaru Usman, who hasn’t fought since his short-notice middleweight clash with Khamzat Chimaev.
“Usman still got the name, but what’s he doing with it? Holding up a top spot and not fighting? I respect the legacy, but this new era ain’t waiting.”
Buckley — currently on a win streak and rising fast in the rankings — expressed frustration at “inactive legends” clogging up the division:
“If you ain’t fighting, move out the way. Give the hungry lions a shot.”
He even hinted that he would gladly fight Usman, given the opportunity, saying:
“I got nothing but respect… but if he signs the paper, I’ll retire him for real.”
Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena? Buckley Breaks It Down
With lightweight champ Islam Makhachev teasing potential moves up in weight, and JDM rising as a top contender at welterweight, talk of a super-fight between the two has started to bubble online.
Buckley gave his unfiltered take:
“Islam ain’t walking through JDM like that. He’s strong, sure — but this ain’t 155. Jack’s got hands, range, and composure. You shoot lazy, he makes you pay.”
He praised both fighters but stood firm:
“That’s a fight I’d watch. But make no mistake — if Islam comes to 170 and skips the line, a lotta us got something to say about it.”
Buckley on the Welterweight Landscape: “Sharks Everywhere”
As he continues to make noise in the division, Buckley made one thing clear:
“This ain’t the old welterweight division anymore. The new guys? We built different.”
He shouted out rising talents like Ian Garry, Michael Morales, and JDM, but reminded everyone:
“None of them got what I got. I bring violence. I bring chaos. And I’m just getting started.”
What’s Next for Buckley?
While nothing is official yet, Buckley made it clear he wants a ranked opponent next, preferably someone ahead of him:
“Give me Neil Magny. Give me Sean Brady. Give me Usman if he wants it. I’ll take anyone. Just don’t waste my time.”
Final Word
Whether you love him or hate him, Joaquin Buckley is doing exactly what a rising contender should:
Making noise, staying active, and calling out the top dogs.
With knockout power and a growing fanbase, “New Mansa” might just be one big win away from a true breakout moment — and if Kamaru Usman or Islam Makhachev are in the way, Buckley says…
“So be it. I ain’t backing down from nobody.”
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