With the UFC facing criticism for recently parting ways with fighters like Farid Basharat and Michael Page, Dana White made a joke about cutting Joaquin Buckley after his loss to Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton. Buckley had refused to shake Dana's hand at the weigh-ins, and White joked that he immediately told Hunter Campbell to release him after the fight. 🗣️ "As soon as he lost, I told Hunter, 'Cut him'…" He quickly added: 🗣️ "I'm f**king joking. I have no problem with Joaquin Buckley." 👀 🎥: UFC
UFC CEO Dana White joked this week that he ordered Joaquin Buckley cut from the roster after Buckley's loss to Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton, then quickly made clear he was kidding.
The remark comes as the promotion faces criticism for recently parting ways with fighters including Farid Basharat and Michael Page. White said he told matchmaker Hunter Campbell to release Buckley as soon as the fight ended. He immediately walked it back, saying he was joking and has no problem with Buckley.
The punchline has a backstory. Buckley refused to shake White's hand at the weigh-ins, and White's quip appeared to reference that moment.
The fighters
Buckley, 32, is a welterweight ranked 10th in the division. The American southpaw fights out of Murcielago MMA and carries a 21-9 record. He lands 3.62 significant strikes per minute at 36 percent accuracy, and averages 1.43 takedowns per 15 minutes. He stands five-foot-ten with a 76-inch reach.
Malott, 34, is a Canadian welterweight ranked 13th who trains with Team Alpha Male. His record is 15-2-1. The orthodox fighter is the more accurate striker of the two, landing 4.02 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent. He also averages 1.63 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes. At six-foot-one, he is taller than Buckley, though his reach is shorter at 73 inches.
Why it matters
- White's comment keeps the spotlight on the UFC's recent roster cuts and the pushback they have drawn from fans.
- Buckley's loss to Malott, ranked three spots below him, is a setback for a fighter in the welterweight top 10.
- The weigh-in snub and White's public ribbing add a layer of friction to Buckley's standing with the promotion, even if White insists it was only a joke.
