Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin Buckley is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), fighting under the nickname "New Mansa."

Buckley was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he wrestled at Marquette High School before turning his attention to mixed martial arts after graduation. He turned professional in 2014 and developed his game training out of St. Louis-area gyms, including Finney's MMA and Murcielago MMA, before earning a contract with the UFC.

Across his UFC tenure, Buckley has collected multiple Performance of the Night bonuses along with a Fight of the Night award, recognition from the promotion for consistently producing some of its most explosive, crowd-pleasing finishes. His performances have also drawn recognition from MMA media outlets as one of the sport's premier breakout attractions.

Stylistically, Buckley is an aggressive, high-output striker whose combination of hand speed, power, and unpredictable kicking attacks has made him one of the most feared finishers on the UFC roster. He mixes conventional boxing with spinning, jumping, and switch-stance strikes that regularly produce highlight-reel knockouts.

Buckley's career is defined by moments that transcended the sport, most notably a spinning back kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay that went viral worldwide and was later honored as Knockout of the Year. He has also scored notable victories over established welterweight competition, including Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington.

Buckley's nickname, "New Mansa," is a nod to the Mansa title of West African royalty, reflecting the identity and ambition he has built inside the cage. Equal parts St. Louis pride and must-watch highlight reel, he has become known as one of the promotion's most electrifying and unpredictable finishers, a fighter capable of ending a bout in a single, unforgettable strike.