Welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley stated his belief that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is beatable, sparking discussion on the champ's dominance. Buckley's opinion adds to ongoing debates about Makhachev's vulnerabilities despite his reign. As Buckley eyes his own title path, the comment indirectly fuels lightweight division intrigue and potential dream fights. It matters for assessing Makhachev's next defenses against top challengers like Arman Tsarukyan. More analysis expected from UFC figures.
Welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley has publicly stated his belief that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is beatable, adding his voice to the ongoing conversation surrounding the champion's dominance at the top of the 155-pound division.
Buckley, known as "New Mansa," carries a 21-8 record and sits ranked 11th in the welterweight division. The 32-year-old American, who trains out of Murcielago MMA, brings a high-volume striking game to the cage, averaging 3.88 significant strikes landed per minute. Standing five-foot-ten with a long 76-inch reach, the southpaw generates considerable offensive output, though his 36 percent striking accuracy suggests he often operates in a volume-over-precision style.
Makhachev, meanwhile, holds a 28-1 record and stands as the reigning champion, currently ranked at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The 34-year-old Russian, fighting out of Eagles MMA, is a southpaw as well and combines elite grappling with underrated striking. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent — well above the UFC average. His lone professional loss remains the only blemish on an otherwise dominant career.
Why it matters
- Buckley's comments keep the spotlight on Makhachev's vulnerabilities as he approaches future title defenses
- Top contender Arman Tsarukyan is among those most directly in line to test whether the champion can be dethroned
- The reach and striking volume Buckley highlights could point to the style of fighter capable of pressuring Makhachev
- A welterweight offering opinions on the lightweight title picture signals how broadly Makhachev's reign is being discussed across divisions
