Joaquin Buckley predicts Islam Makhachev will win the UFC welterweight title but doubts his longevity in the division, believing Makhachev will retire after securing his legacy, while Buckley aims to become the top contender by defeating Kamaru Usman.
Joaquin Buckley has high hopes for Islam Makhachev, predicting he’ll soon be the UFC welterweight champ. Yet, he warns Makhachev will face many challenges if he stays in the division.
This Saturday, Buckley steps into the octagon against former champ Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta. “New Mansa” believes a victory will make him the top contender, though he knows Makhachev gets the next shot at new champ Jack Della Maddalena.
“In my opinion, winning this fight puts me in the No. 1 contender spot,” Buckley said at media day. “But it’s a business. Islam’s done a lot in the lightweight division. He’s got a big name, so it makes sense for the UFC to give him the title shot.”
“Still, I’ll let my performance do the talking. You never know what’ll happen in this fight game. If the chance comes, ‘Buck’ will be ready.”
Buckley picks Makhachev to beat Della Maddalena. If Buckley defeats Usman, he’s eager to face the top pound-for-pound fighter in the octagon.
However, Buckley doubts Makhachev will stick around at welterweight—or even in the UFC—if he becomes a two-division champ.
“I’d love it, but I don’t think Islam would,” Buckley said. “If he wins the 170-pound title, he’ll move on. He’s done what he needed to do. Why risk the streak?”
“He’s aiming to cement his legacy. Once he wins the welterweight belt, I think he’ll retire.”
Buckley is on a 6-0 streak in the UFC’s welterweight division, going 4-0 in 2024 with wins over Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington. He knows he’s performing well, but if Makhachev stays, Buckley believes he’ll regret it.
“Islam’s no big threat to welterweight,” Buckley stated. “This is the deepest weight class, with guys like Ian Garry, Shavkat, and Sean Brady. Islam needs to prove he’s ready for this division.”