One hovering UFC welterweight contender believes he’ll get a crack at 170-pound gold earlier than Islam Makhachev does.
Makhachev is ready to formally relinquish the UFC Light-weight Championship as soon as the UFC 317 predominant occasion between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria begins. The soon-to-be former 155-pound champion made the choice in an effort to safe the welterweight gold, which is held by Jack Della Maddalena. UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that the plan is certainly Maddalena vs. Makhachev.
Nonetheless, one high welterweight feels he can sway the UFC matchmakers with a powerful displaying at UFC Atlanta.
Can Buckley Bounce in Entrance of Makhachev?
Throughout a latest episode of his “Buck What You Heard” show, Joaquin Buckley mentioned that if he can defeat Kamaru Usman within the trend he’s anticipating, then he must be Jack Della Maddalena’s first title challenger, not Islam Makhachev (by way of MMAFighting).
“You already know as soon as we beat Kamaru Usman, it’s title time,” Buckley mentioned on his Buck What You Heard present. “It’s time to go get my belt. There’s no different individual that’s been doing what I’ve been doing within the roster. I don’t actually like to speak about different individuals and their careers, however like I mentioned, mine’s been unmatched with not simply having 15 fights inside the promotion inside 5 years, however as properly going undefeated within the welterweight division. Additionally, knocking out each ranked opponent and like I mentioned, may get my fourth knockout of my ranked opponent in Kamaru Usman.
“You possibly can’t identify one other man that’s doing one thing like that. So as soon as I beat Kamaru Usman, there isn’t any debate, there isn’t any back-and-forth, there isn’t any argument. We up subsequent. You already know we obtained this man from 155 arising considering he going to take my spot. Nah, we will’t have it. I actually consider that with the whole lot that’s coming, the ‘JDM’ and Islam struggle will not be an enormous struggle to make. JDM is the world champion proper now, however I actually consider that Islam’s obtained to take a seat again and simply look forward to me to get my title as a result of I would be the hardest struggle that Islam has.”
Coming into UFC Atlanta, Buckley has received six straight fights. You’ll have to return to late 2022 to search out “New Mansa’s” most up-to-date defeat. Many consider Buckley is in prime type, and a win over Usman will surely put him nearer than ever to a UFC title shot.
Buckley is presently the No. 7-ranked UFC welterweight. He’ll earn a high 5 spot if he can defeat “The Nigerian Nightmare” on Saturday.
