The UFC announced Sean Brady versus Joaquin Buckley as the main event for UFC Vegas 116 on April 25, 2026 at the Meta Apex. Both top-10 welterweights are looking to bounce back from recent setbacks, with Brady having been stopped by Michael Morales at UFC 322 in November 2025, while Buckley suffered a loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta. The matchup represents a significant opportunity for both fighters to climb back into title contention in a competitive welterweight division. The bout was announced during the UFC Houston broadcast on February 21, 2026.
The UFC officially announced Sean Brady versus Joaquin Buckley as the main event of UFC Vegas 116, scheduled for April 25, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The matchup was revealed during the UFC Houston broadcast on February 21, 2026, and pits two welterweights eager to re-establish themselves in the division's top tier.
Brady, ranked seventh at welterweight, enters the fight at 19-2-0 following a stoppage loss to Michael Morales at UFC 322 in November 2025. The 33-year-old Philadelphia product, who trains out of Renzo Gracie Philly, is known for his relentless grappling pressure, averaging 3.53 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also generates consistent striking volume at 3.96 significant strikes per minute and posts an impressive 55 percent striking accuracy, one of the higher marks in the division.
Buckley, nicknamed "New Mansa," comes in ranked 11th with a record of 21-8-0 after dropping a decision to Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta. The 32-year-old St. Louis native fights out of Murcielago MMA as a southpaw and carries a 76-inch reach — a full four inches longer than Brady's 72-inch frame. Buckley lands 3.88 significant strikes per minute and is primarily a striker, averaging just 0.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Both fighters are coming off losses and need a win to re-enter title contention in the loaded 170-pound division
- A Brady win could push him back toward the top five; a Buckley victory would be the biggest of his career and vault him past a top-ten opponent
- The stylistic contrast is sharp — Brady's high-volume grappling against Buckley's southpaw striking and significant reach advantage sets up a compelling tactical battle
