Joaquin Buckley’s six-fight win streak came to a grinding halt at UFC on ESPN 69, as he was outwrestled and controlled for five rounds by former champion Kamaru Usman. Despite flashes of brilliance in the striking department—particularly in rounds four and five—Buckley had no answers for Usman’s takedowns and suffocating top pressure. The unanimous decision loss (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) snapped Buckley’s momentum but also provided him valuable five-round experience against an elite grappler. Now sitting at 21–7 with a 7–3 UFC record at welterweight, Buckley remains a top contender with explosive knockout power, proven finishing instincts, and an evolving all-around game.
Next up for Joaquin Buckley should be a high-stakes clash with former welterweight champion Leon Edwards. Despite back-to-back losses to Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady, Edwards remains one of the most technically sound and battle-tested fighters in the division. His sharp southpaw striking, measured pace, and underrated grappling make him a fascinating stylistic challenge for Buckley, whose success thrives on pressure and power. With Edwards looking to re-establish himself in the title mix and Buckley eager to prove he belongs among the division’s elite, this potential matchup is both logical and compelling.
A Buckley vs. Edwards bout could serve as a co-main or main event on a UFC Fight Night, pitting Buckley’s aggression against Edwards’ precision. It’s a crossroads fight for both men—one with title implications for the winner and potential rankings fallout for the loser. For Buckley, beating a former champion would be a career-defining statement; for Edwards, it would be the reset he needs to begin another title run.
Last Five Fights – Joaquin Buckley:
1. Loss to Kamaru Usman – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ESPN 69 (June 14, 2025)
2. Win over Colby Covington – TKO (doctor stoppage), UFC on ESPN (December 14, 2024)
3. Win over Stephen Thompson – KO (punch), UFC 307 (October 5, 2024)
4. Win over Nursulton Ruziboev – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ESPN (May 11, 2024)
5. Win over Vicente Luque – TKO (punches), UFC on ESPN (March 30, 2024)
Last Five Fights – Leon Edwards:
1. Loss to Sean Brady – Submission (guillotine choke), UFC Fight Night (March 22, 2025)
2. Loss to Belal Muhammad – Decision (unanimous), UFC 304 (July 27, 2024)
3. Win over Colby Covington – Decision (unanimous), UFC 296 (December 16, 2023)
4. Win over Kamaru Usman – Decision (majority), UFC 286 (March 18, 2023)
5. Win over Kamaru Usman – KO (head kick), UFC 278 (August 20, 2022)