Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joaquin Buckley

Updated: June 12, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Joaquin Buckley made an impact.

Joaquin Buckley is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's welterweight division. A professional since 2014, Buckley has also fought in Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Alliance. As of April 2025, he is ranked #7 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Start of Professional MMA Career

In 2014, Joaquin Buckley began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career.

April 13, 2018: Fight against Logan Storley at Bellator 197

On April 13, 2018, Joaquin Buckley faced Logan Storley at Bellator 197, losing the fight by unanimous decision.

August 8, 2020: UFC Debut Against Kevin Holland

On August 8, 2020, Joaquin Buckley made his UFC debut against Kevin Holland at UFC Fight Night 174, losing via technical knockout in round three.

October 11, 2020: Fight Against Impa Kasanganay

On October 11, 2020, Joaquin Buckley fought Impa Kasanganay at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen, winning by knockout in the second round with a spinning back kick. This victory earned him the Performance of the Night bonus, and the video went viral, becoming the most-liked, most-retweeted, and most-viewed tweet in UFC history.

November 21, 2020: Fight Against Jordan Wright at UFC 255

On November 21, 2020, Joaquin Buckley faced Jordan Wright at UFC 255, winning the fight via knockout in round two and earning the Performance of the Night award.

January 16, 2021: Fight Against Alessio Di Chirico at UFC on ABC 1

On January 16, 2021, Joaquin Buckley fought Alessio Di Chirico at UFC on ABC 1, losing the fight in the first round via a head kick knockout.

September 18, 2021: Fight Against Antônio Arroyo at UFC Fight Night

On September 18, 2021, Joaquin Buckley faced Antônio Arroyo at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Spann, winning the fight via knockout in round three and earning the Performance of the Night award.

January 15, 2022: Fight Against Abdul Razak Alhassan at UFC on ESPN 32

On January 15, 2022, Joaquin Buckley was scheduled to face Abdul Razak Alhassan at UFC on ESPN 32, but the pairing was cancelled after Alhassan withdrew for undisclosed reasons. The fight was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 201, where Buckley won via split decision.

June 4, 2022: Cancellation of Fight Against Abusupiyan Magomedov at UFC Fight Night 207

On June 4, 2022, Joaquin Buckley's scheduled bout against Abusupiyan Magomedov at UFC Fight Night 207 was cancelled for unknown reasons.

June 18, 2022: Fight Against Albert Duraev at UFC on ESPN 37

On June 18, 2022, Joaquin Buckley fought Albert Duraev at UFC on ESPN 37, winning the fight via TKO before the third round after the ringside doctor stopped the fight due to Duraev's eye swelling shut. Buckley earned his fourth Performance of the Night award.

September 3, 2022: Fight Against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 209

On September 3, 2022, Joaquin Buckley faced Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 209, losing the fight via unanimous decision.

December 10, 2022: Fight Against Chris Curtis at UFC 282

On December 10, 2022, Joaquin Buckley faced Chris Curtis at UFC 282. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.

May 20, 2023: Fight Against André Fialho at UFC Fight Night 223

On May 20, 2023, Joaquin Buckley faced André Fialho at UFC Fight Night 223, winning the fight via technical knockout in round two.

October 7, 2023: Fight Against Alex Morono at UFC Fight Night 229

On October 7, 2023, Joaquin Buckley faced Alex Morono at UFC Fight Night 229, winning the fight via unanimous decision.

March 30, 2024: Fight Against Vicente Luque at UFC on ESPN 54

On March 30, 2024, Joaquin Buckley faced Vicente Luque at UFC on ESPN 54, winning the fight via technical knockout in round two.

May 11, 2024: Fight Against Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC on ESPN 56

On May 11, 2024, Joaquin Buckley faced Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC on ESPN 56, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

October 5, 2024: Fight Against Stephen Thompson at UFC 307

On October 5, 2024, Joaquin Buckley faced Stephen Thompson at UFC 307, winning the fight by knockout in the third round, earning him another Performance of the Night award.

December 14, 2024: Fight Against Colby Covington at UFC on ESPN 63

On December 14, 2024, Joaquin Buckley faced Colby Covington at UFC on ESPN 63, winning the fight by technical knockout as a result of a doctor stoppage due to a cut above Covington's eye in the third round.