Kamaru Usman Responds to Joaquin Buckley’s Bold Callout After UFC 307
In the aftermath of UFC 307, welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has given his take on Joaquin Buckley’s audacious callout. Buckley, who stunned the MMA world with a highlight-reel spinning back kick knockout over Impa Kasanganay at UFC 307, wasted no time in challenging Usman for the title.
Usman’s Measured Response
Usman, known for his composed and calculating approach, responded to Buckley’s callout with a thoughtful and measured assessment. He acknowledged Buckley’s impressive performance but emphasized the need for the contender to earn his way to a title shot.
“I think Joaquin Buckley is an exciting fighter,” Usman said in an interview with ESPN. “He has some serious skills and potential. But he’s still relatively new to the UFC, and there are a lot of other contenders who have been waiting their turn.”
Buckley’s Impressive Resume
Despite his limited UFC experience, Buckley has compiled an impressive resume outside the promotion. He holds a 14-4 record with nine knockouts, including victories over notable opponents like Anthony Hernandez and Punahele Soriano.
Buckley’s striking prowess is undeniable, with his highlight-reel knockouts serving as a testament to his power and precision. His spinning back kick at UFC 307 was one of the most spectacular finishes of the year.
Other Contenders in the Welterweight Division
While Buckley has made a strong case for himself, he is not the only contender waiting for a title shot. Usman has a long list of potential challengers, including:
| Contender | Record | Recent Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Gilbert Burns | 20-4 | Defeated Stephen Thompson at UFC 264 |
| Colby Covington | 16-3 | Defeated Tyron Woodley at UFC Fight Night 178 |
| Jorge Masvidal | 35-15 | Lost to Usman at UFC 261 and UFC 251 |
Uncertain Future for Buckley
It remains to be seen whether Buckley will get his chance to challenge for the welterweight title. Usman is likely to face one of the more established contenders in his next title defense, and Buckley will need to continue to prove himself with impressive performances.
“I’m not saying no to fighting Joaquin Buckley in the future,” Usman stated. “But he needs to earn his way there. He needs to go out there and beat some more top contenders.”
Conclusion
The complexities of Kamaru Usman’s response to Joaquin Buckley’s callout highlight the competitive nature of the UFC welterweight division. While Buckley has shown great potential and earned the attention of fans, he will need to continue his ascent up the rankings before challenging for the title.
Usman’s cautious approach demonstrates his respect for the other contenders in the division and his belief in the importance of following the established path to a title shot. Buckley, on the other hand, will strive to prove that he has what it takes to challenge for the welterweight crown sooner rather than later.
The future of the welterweight division is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the showdown between Usman and Buckley would be an intriguing and highly anticipated matchup.
