The gloves are off! UFC Welterweight slugger Joaquin Buckley is on a mission, and his target is none other than Shavkat Rakhmonov. Buckley is not mincing words, and the intensity is palpable.
Buckley has been angling for a showdown with Rakhmonov, nicknamed “Nomad,” for quite some time. This pursuit predates his recent setback against former champion Kamaru Usman earlier this year. However, Buckley isn't letting that loss derail his plans, especially with Rakhmonov facing challenges of his own due to knee injuries and subsequent inactivity.
Buckley recently took to social media to directly challenge Rakhmonov, urging him to “stop hiding.” Rakhmonov's response, as translated by Google, was a blunt message that did not sit well with Buckley.
In a fiery retort, Buckley demanded a fight with Rakhmonov, promising to “f—k him up.” He's even willing to take on anyone else to get to “Nomad.”
"I had to take everything that I built for brick-by-brick," Buckley exclaimed, emphasizing his determination and resilience. "Straight from the dirt. Straight from the mud. That’s why these boys not gone beat me. I don’t care about that Usman fight. That man had to hold me down. Don’t nobody want to fight with me toe-to-toe.
"Shavkat, I heard you chirping. I heard you talking about ‘black boy’. Imma show you that damn boy, show you where the f—k we come from. How long that we been struggling. How long we’ve been deprived. How we still get up every single time we get knocked down, how we still get up and run s—t over. I’m gonna f—k you up and anybody else that want it! Shavkat, if you don’t sign the motherf—ker, somebody else gonna die. I promise you dog. I’m burying everybody in the UFC, and I ain’t playing!“
But here's where it gets controversial... Beyond the personal animosity, this matchup makes a lot of sense. If Rakhmonov doesn't immediately get a title shot upon his return, he'll need another win to solidify his top contender status. Buckley, a dangerous knockout artist and a Top 10 Welterweight, would be a perfect opponent.
UFC matchmakers often appreciate when fighters create their own hype, and this fight is already generating buzz. Will “Nomad” sign the contract? Could we see Buckley vs. Rakhmonov in 2026? What do you think about the potential matchup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
