Joaquin "New Mansa" Buckley has established himself as one of the most explosive and dynamic competitors in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his highlight-reel knockouts and relentless pace, Buckley’s professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record reflects a career of significant risks and substantial rewards. As of April 2026, his record stands as a testament to his evolution from a middleweight powerhouse to a top-tier welterweight contender.

Current Professional MMA Record Overview

Joaquin Buckley currently holds a professional MMA record of 21 wins and 7 losses. His fighting style, characterized by explosive striking and improved wrestling defense, has resulted in a high finishing rate, making him a favorite for performance bonuses.

Statistical Breakdown of Wins and Losses

The distribution of Buckley's victories and defeats provides insight into his finishing capabilities and durability:

  • Total Fights: 28
  • Total Wins: 21
    • By Knockout (KO/TKO): 15 (71%)
    • By Decision: 6 (29%)
    • By Submission: 0 (0%)
  • Total Losses: 7
    • By Knockout (KO/TKO): 4
    • By Decision: 3

Buckley’s professional career has seen him compete across two weight classes, with his most successful run occurring in the welterweight (170 lbs) division. His ability to maintain power while dropping weight has been a catalyst for his recent surge in the rankings, where he currently sits at #9 in the welterweight division.

The Evolution of "New Mansa" and the Welterweight Resurgence

The nickname "New Mansa" is derived from the Mali Empire, where "Mansa" translates to "King" or "Emperor." This persona reflects Buckley's ambition to dominate his weight class and build a lasting legacy. His career can be distinctly divided into his middleweight tenure and his revitalized welterweight chapter.

The Middleweight Chapter (2019–2022)

During his time at middleweight (185 lbs), Buckley was often the shorter fighter, standing at 5'8". While his explosive power allowed him to overcome height and reach disadvantages initially, the physical toll of facing much larger opponents led to a mixed record.

Significant moments from this period include his UFC debut against Kevin Holland and his viral knockout of Impa Kasanganay. Despite the fame generated by his "Knockout of the Year" in 2020, Buckley struggled with consistency at middleweight, suffering losses to Alessio Di Chirico, Nassourdine Imavov, and Chris Curtis. These setbacks prompted the strategic decision to move down to the welterweight division, a move that would ultimately save his UFC career.

The Welterweight Breakthrough (2023–Present)

Since moving to 170 lbs in May 2023, Buckley has looked like a different athlete. The size parity in the welterweight division has allowed his speed and wrestling defense to shine. He initiated this run with a dominant knockout of Andre Fialho and followed it with a string of high-profile victories against seasoned veterans and rising prospects alike.

His win streak at welterweight includes a clinical performance against Alex Morono, a technical TKO of Vicente Luque, and a high-stakes knockout of the legendary Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson. This momentum propelled him into the top 10, setting up massive opportunities against former champions.

Detailed UFC Fight History and Performance Analysis

To understand the 21-7 record of Joaquin Buckley, it is essential to examine the specific battles that defined his trajectory within the Octagon.

The Viral Rise: 2020–2021

Buckley’s entry into the UFC was a trial by fire. He took his debut on short notice against Kevin Holland in August 2020. While he lost via TKO in the third round, he showed flashes of the power that would soon make him a household name.

In October 2020, Buckley faced Impa Kasanganay. In the second round, Kasanganay caught Buckley’s foot during a kick attempt. In a moment of pure instinct and athleticism, Buckley used his trapped leg as a pivot to launch a spinning back kick with his other leg, connecting flush with Kasanganay’s chin. The resulting knockout was not just a victory; it became the most-watched social media clip in UFC history at that time.

He followed this with another "Performance of the Night" winning knockout against Jordan Wright just a month later. However, the volatility of the middleweight division was highlighted when he was caught by a head kick from Alessio Di Chirico in early 2021, a loss that served as a humbling reminder of the sport's unpredictability.

Finding Consistency: 2021–2022

Buckley rebounded in September 2021 by knocking out Antonio Arroyo in the third round. This fight demonstrated his improved cardio and ability to find the finish late in the contest. He then engaged in a grueling split-decision win over Abdul Razak Alhassan, a fight that tested his chin and his ability to score points in the eyes of the judges.

In June 2022, he defeated Albert Duraev via TKO (doctor stoppage) after a relentless barrage of strikes caused Duraev’s eye to swell shut. This was Buckley at his most efficient, utilizing lateral movement to pick apart a dangerous grappler. However, losses to Nassourdine Imavov in Paris and Chris Curtis in December 2022 signaled that he had reached his ceiling in the 185-lb division.

The Welterweight Dominance: 2023–2025

The move to 170 lbs began at UFC Fight Night 223. Against Andre Fialho, Buckley showed increased hand speed and a more disciplined approach to distance management. The second-round head kick KO proved that his power had transitioned perfectly to the lower weight class.

His victory over Vicente Luque in March 2024 was a turning point. Luque, a perennial top-tier welterweight, was overwhelmed by Buckley’s pressure. The TKO win proved that Buckley could not only compete with the elite but could finish them. This was followed by a unanimous decision win over Nursulton Ruziboev in his hometown of St. Louis, where he showcased his improved wrestling and top control.

In late 2024, Buckley faced two of the biggest names in the division. He knocked out the elusive Stephen Thompson in October and followed it with a massive TKO win over former interim champion Colby Covington in December. The Covington fight was particularly notable as it was a doctor's stoppage due to a severe cut, but Buckley’s pace and volume were the deciding factors.

The Usman Test: June 2025

On June 14, 2025, Buckley faced his toughest challenge to date: former dominant champion Kamaru Usman. The fight was a five-round main event that tested every facet of Buckley's game. While he lost via unanimous decision, Buckley earned "Fight of the Night" honors. He proved he could go five hard rounds with a future Hall of Famer, and despite the loss, his stock rose significantly due to his competitive spirit and moments of success in the striking exchanges.

Technical Statistical Profile

The numbers behind Joaquin Buckley’s record reveal a fighter who relies on volume and defensive responsibility to set up his power shots.

Striking Statistics

  • Significant Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpM): 3.88
  • Striking Accuracy: 37%
  • Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute (SApM): 2.93
  • Striking Defense: 59%

Buckley’s striking accuracy might appear lower than some of his peers, but this is largely due to his high volume and tendency to throw "bombs"—high-risk, high-reward strikes intended to end the fight. His striking defense of 59% is respectable for an aggressive pressure fighter, indicating that he is not just a "brawler" but someone who understands the nuances of head movement and footwork.

Grappling Statistics

  • Takedown Average (per 15 minutes): 1.54
  • Takedown Accuracy: 45%
  • Takedown Defense: 72%
  • Submission Average (per 15 minutes): 0.08

One of the most impressive aspects of Buckley’s transition to welterweight has been his takedown defense. Holding a 72% defense rate against high-level wrestlers like Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman demonstrates his elite-level athleticism and the quality of his training at Finney’s MMA and Murcielago MMA. While he rarely looks for submissions, his wrestling is a defensive tool used to keep the fight standing where he has the advantage.

Upcoming Fight: Joaquin Buckley vs. Sean Brady (UFC 328)

The next chapter in Buckley’s record will be written on May 9, 2026, at UFC 328. He is scheduled to face Sean Brady in a bout that carries significant implications for the welterweight title picture.

Tactical Matchup Analysis

Sean Brady is known for his elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grinding wrestling style. For Buckley, this fight represents a classic "striker vs. grappler" confrontation. To secure his 22nd professional win, Buckley will need to:

  1. Maintain Distance: Use his 76-inch reach to keep Brady on the outside.
  2. Exploit Lateral Movement: Avoid being pinned against the fence where Brady excels at initiating clinches.
  3. Capitalize on Transitions: Brady is most vulnerable when moving between striking and grappling ranges. Buckley’s explosive counters will be key.

A win over Brady would likely propel Buckley into the top 5, putting him within one win of a shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joaquin Buckley

What is Joaquin Buckley's current MMA record?

As of April 2026, Joaquin Buckley has a professional record of 21 wins and 7 losses (21-7-0).

What is Joaquin Buckley's knockout rate?

Buckley has earned 15 of his 21 professional wins via knockout or technical knockout, resulting in a 71% knockout rate.

Which weight class does Joaquin Buckley fight in?

He currently competes in the Welterweight division (170 lbs). He previously competed in the Middleweight division (185 lbs).

Who is Joaquin Buckley's next opponent?

Joaquin Buckley is scheduled to fight Sean Brady at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026.

What is Buckley's most famous win?

His most famous win is his second-round knockout of Impa Kasanganay in October 2020, which won multiple "Knockout of the Year" awards.

Summary of Career Achievements

Joaquin Buckley’s journey in the UFC is a story of resilience and adaptation. From a viral sensation at middleweight to a legitimate contender at welterweight, his 21-7 record reflects a fighter who is never in a boring match. With 15 knockouts and five "Performance of the Night" bonuses, he has proven to be one of the most bankable stars in the promotion.

As he approaches his matchup with Sean Brady at UFC 328, Buckley stands on the precipice of title contention. His ability to blend world-class athleticism with a constantly evolving technical game has made "New Mansa" a formidable force in the 170-pound division. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can add another highlight to his record and move one step closer to UFC gold.