Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin Buckley is an American mixed martial artist from St. Louis, Missouri, who competes in the UFC Welterweight division. Known for his explosive striking and finishing instinct, Buckley rose from relative obscurity to international attention after producing what many consider one of the single greatest knockouts in MMA history: a spinning back heel kick against Impa Kasanganay at UFC Fight Night in October 2020 that was awarded Knockout of the Year and went viral across the globe.

Following the viral moment, Buckley rebuilt his momentum in the welterweight division with a string of stoppages that demonstrated his knockout power was not a one-time spectacle but a reliable weapon. He developed into a legitimate top-fifteen welterweight threat with finishing ability in both striking exchanges and opportunistic ground-and-pound, and earned a UFC Welterweight title shot against Belal Muhammad at UFC 312 in February 2025 — coming up short by decision but cementing himself as a permanent fixture near the top of the division.

Buckley’s style is built around athleticism, unpredictability, and a willingness to attempt strikes that other fighters would never conceive of in the moment. He is at his most dangerous when his opponents think they have established control, as his reaction speed and lower-body targeting can produce fight-ending power from positions that appear disadvantaged. His charisma and finishing ability have made him one of the most compelling young welterweights in the UFC.