MMA
Meet the UFC fighter who almost broke the internet
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It’s UFC Fight Night in Florida on Saturday, with the welterweight bout between Joaquin Buckley and Colby Covington topping the bill. While Covington is brash and often controversial, less is known about Buckley, a fighter who hails from St. Louis, Missouri. As we head towards Saturday's showdown, let's take a moment to find out more about Buckley – a fighter who sprung to prominence in 2020 with a knockout kick that sent the internet into overdrive.
Early life and background
Joaquin Buckley was born on 27 April 1994, in St. Louis, Missouri. Raised in challenging circumstances (his father was absent, and his mother passed away when he was still in sixth grade), he used martial arts as an outlet to channel his energy and overcome adversity. Buckley’s journey to the UFC is a story of grit and determination, shaped by his relentless work ethic and passion for the sport.
Career highlights
Buckley began his professional MMA career in 2014, competing in regional promotions such as Shamrock FC and Bellator. His performances caught the attention of the UFC, where he made his debut in 2020.
The viral knockout
Buckley gained worldwide fame on 10 October 2020, when he delivered a spectacular spinning back kick knockout against Impa Kasanganay. The move, executed with jaw-dropping precision, became one of the most iconic knockouts in MMA history and garnered millions of views online. It's worth a watch and it's not hard to see why interest in Buckley suddenly skyrocketed. Stats suggest that between three tweets, three Instagram posts, four Facebook posts, and a TikTok video put out by UFC, that the Buckley knockout video generated upwards of 65 million views and 83 million impressions for the UFC.
Aside from the Kasanganay KO, Buckley has fought some other significant fights including at UFC 255 where he secured a second-round knockout against Jordan Wright.
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Fighting style
Joaquin Buckley is known for his explosive striking and athleticism. A southpaw, he blends speed, power, and creativity, making him a dangerous opponent in the welterweight division. His aggressive style ensures he’s always a threat, capable of ending fights in dramatic fashion. He heads into Saturday’s encounter against Covington with a 20-6-0 record.
Outside the Octagon
Beyond his fighting career, Buckley is an advocate for perseverance and hard work. Coming from a humble background, he often speaks about the importance of staying focused and overcoming obstacles. His story serves as an inspiration to young athletes aspiring to achieve greatness.
