Have you ever seen someone kick another person while holding their foot? If you follow the UFC, you likely know the name Joaquin Buckley. He is a professional fighter from St. Louis, Missouri. People often call him “New Mansa” because he brings a fresh and rich energy to the cage. He started his career in 2014 and has worked very hard to become a top name. He is famous for having some of the most exciting knockouts in sports history. Fans love him because he never gives up and always looks for a big finish.
Watching Joaquin Buckley fight is like watching a real-life superhero movie. He is very strong and moves with incredible speed for his size. In the UFC, he competes in the welterweight division. This means he weighs around 170 pounds when he steps into the Octagon. He has fought some of the best athletes in the world. Even when things get tough, he keeps pushing forward. This grit has helped him climb the rankings and earn respect from fighters and fans alike.
The Incredible UFC Record of Joaquin Buckley
When you look at the stats, the Joaquin Buckley record shows a story of growth. As of early 2026, he has a professional record of 21 wins and 7 losses. What makes his record stand out is how he wins. Out of those 21 wins, 15 of them have come by way of knockout. That is a huge number! It shows that he has massive power in his hands and feet. He is not just a fighter who waits for a decision; he wants to end the fight early.
The career of Joaquin Buckley took a big turn when he moved down to the welterweight class. Before that, he was fighting bigger men at middleweight. Since moving down, he has looked faster and more dangerous than ever. He went on a massive six-fight winning streak that caught everyone’s attention. During that run, he beat famous names like Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Vicente Luque. These wins proved that he belongs at the very top of the sport.
Joaquin Buckley Fighter Profile & Stats
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Joaquin Yuconri Buckley |
| Nickname | New Mansa |
| Date of Birth | April 27, 1994 |
| Fighting Out Of | St. Louis, Missouri |
| UFC Division | Welterweight (170 lbs) |
| Professional Record | 21-7-0 |
| Knockout Wins | 15 |
| Height | 5′ 10″ |
| Reach | 76 inches |
| Next Opponent | Sean Brady (April 25, 2026) |
The Most Viral Knockout in MMA History
We cannot talk about Joaquin Buckley without mentioning “The Kick.” In 2020, he fought a man named Impa Kasanganay. During the fight, Impa caught Buckley’s foot. Instead of falling, Buckley used his other leg to jump and spin in the air. He landed a perfect spinning back kick that knocked his opponent out instantly. The video of this move went everywhere on social media. Millions of people watched it, and even famous celebrities were talking about how amazing it was.
That one moment changed the life of Joaquin Buckley forever. It won him the “Knockout of the Year” award. It also showed the world that he is a very creative striker. He thinks outside the box and tries things other fighters are afraid to do. This “never-say-die” attitude makes every one of his fights a “must-watch” event. Whether he wins or loses, you know you are going to see something special when he enters the cage.
Joaquin Buckley Career Earnings and Net Worth
Being a top fighter in the UFC pays well, and Joaquin Buckley has earned his spot. While the UFC does not always share every detail, experts believe his net worth is growing. He earns money from his fight purse, win bonuses, and special “Performance of the Night” awards. For example, in his big fight against Kamaru Usman in 2025, he reportedly took home a base salary of $150,000. When you add up his career wins and bonuses, he is doing very well for himself.
Beyond the cage, Joaquin Buckley also earns money through sponsors and brand deals. He works with big names like Reebok and other fitness companies. His viral fame helped him build a large following on Instagram and Twitter. This helps him get better contracts and more opportunities. He is a great example of how hard work and one big moment can lead to financial success in the world of professional sports.
The Move to Welterweight: A Genius Choice
For a long time, Joaquin Buckley fought at 185 pounds. While he was strong, he was often much shorter than his opponents. In 2023, he decided to move down to 170 pounds. This choice was a game-changer for his career. In the welterweight division, his power is even more scary. He doesn’t have to worry about fighting giant middleweights anymore. Instead, he can use his speed to overwhelm people in his new weight class.
The success of Joaquin Buckley at welterweight has been fast and impressive. He looked like a brand-new fighter in his debut against Andre Fialho. He won that fight with a brutal head kick. Since then, he has stayed very active. He fights often and stays in great shape. This consistency is why the UFC keeps giving him big main-event opportunities. He has shown that he is a true professional who takes his training very seriously.
Current UFC Ranking and Title Hopes
As we move through 2026, Joaquin Buckley is currently ranked #9 in the UFC welterweight division. Being in the top ten is a very big deal. It means he is only a few wins away from fighting for the world title. The welterweight division is full of tough fighters like Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards. However, Buckley has shown that he can compete with the best. His explosive style makes him a dangerous matchup for anyone in the rankings.
Many experts believe Joaquin Buckley has the tools to become a champion. He has the wrestling defense to stay standing and the power to end any fight with one punch. He is also very young for a fighter at his level. If he can keep winning his upcoming matches, he might get a title shot by the end of 2026 or early 2027. His journey from a viral sensation to a serious title contender is truly inspiring to watch.
Upcoming Fight: Joaquin Buckley vs. Sean Brady
The next big test for Joaquin Buckley is coming up very soon. He is scheduled to face Sean Brady on April 25, 2026. This fight is the main event for a UFC Fight Night. Sean Brady is ranked even higher than Buckley, at #6. This is a classic “striker vs. grappler” matchup. Brady is known for his amazing wrestling and ground game. Buckley will need to use his footwork to stay away from takedowns and land his big shots.
This fight is very important for Joaquin Buckley. If he wins, he will likely jump into the top five of the rankings. It would be a huge statement to beat a wrestler as good as Brady. Fans are already excited for this clash of styles. It will be held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. You can bet that “New Mansa” is training harder than ever to make sure he comes out on top in this high-stakes battle.
Training and Team: How Buckley Stays Ready
Success in the UFC does not happen by accident. Joaquin Buckley trains with a great team to stay at the top of his game. He spends a lot of time at Finney’s MMA and Murcielago MMA. These gyms are known for producing tough fighters. He works with expert coaches who help him improve his boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Even though he is famous for his kicks, he spends hours every day working on his ground game too.
The daily routine for Joaquin Buckley is very intense. He wakes up early for cardio and strength training. In the afternoons, he does sparring and technical drills. He also follows a very strict diet to make sure he can hit the 170-pound weight limit. Being a professional fighter requires a lot of discipline. Buckley’s dedication to his craft is one of the main reasons he has been able to stay successful for so many years.
Personal Life and Inspiration for Others
Outside of the Octagon, Joaquin Buckley is a family man who cares about his community. He often talks about his roots in St. Louis and how he wants to inspire kids from his hometown. He shows them that through sports and hard work, they can achieve their dreams. He is very active on social media, where he shares videos of his training and his life. He likes to keep things real and honest with his followers.
The story of Joaquin Buckley is one of resilience. He has had losses in his career, but he never let them stop him. Instead, he used those losses as lessons to get better. This “help-first” mindset has made him a role model for many young athletes. He proves that it doesn’t matter where you start; what matters is how much heart you have. He continues to be a positive light in the world of mixed martial arts.
Summary Table: Recent Fight Results
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method |
| June 14, 2025 | Kamaru Usman | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) |
| Dec 14, 2024 | Colby Covington | Win | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) |
| Oct 5, 2024 | Stephen Thompson | Win | KO (Punch) |
| May 11, 2024 | Nursulton Ruziboev | Win | Decision (Unanimous) |
| March 30, 2024 | Vicente Luque | Win | TKO (Punches) |
Conclusion: The Future of New Mansa
In conclusion, Joaquin Buckley is much more than just a viral video. He is a world-class athlete with the power to change a fight in a split second. From his legendary spinning kick to his recent wins over UFC icons, he has earned his place among the elite. As he prepares for his 2026 fight against Sean Brady, the world will be watching to see if “New Mansa” can take the next step toward a UFC championship.
Are you excited to see Buckley’s next fight? He always brings the heat and never fails to entertain. Make sure to follow his journey as he continues to make history in the welterweight division. Whether he’s landing a knockout punch or sharing a motivational message, Joaquin Buckley is a name you won’t want to forget!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Joaquin Buckley’s most famous knockout?
His most famous knockout was a spinning back kick against Impa Kasanganay in 2020. It is often called the greatest knockout in UFC history because he landed it while his other foot was being held!
2. What weight class does Joaquin Buckley fight in?
He currently fights in the Welterweight division, which has a weight limit of 170 pounds. He previously fought in the Middleweight division (185 pounds).
3. Who is Joaquin Buckley’s next opponent?
He is scheduled to fight Sean Brady on April 25, 2026. This will be a major main event fight that could lead to a title shot.
4. What is Joaquin Buckley’s professional record?
As of early 2026, his record is 21 wins and 7 losses. He has won 15 of those fights by knockout, showing his incredible power.
5. Where is Joaquin Buckley from?
He is from St. Louis, Missouri. He often talks about his hometown and trains at local gyms like Finney’s MMA to stay sharp.
