Buckley Criticizes UFC Welterweight Division
Joaquin Buckley publicly criticized UFC welterweight matchmaking, calling the division "on standstill" and "crazy." His comments reflect growing frustration among fighters and fans about activity levels at 170 pounds.
- The division's current champion is Islam Makhachev, who moved up from lightweight to capture the welterweight title in November 2025 but has yet to schedule his first defense. - Top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov, who holds an undefeated 19-0 record, has been a significant factor in the division's stagnation due to a knee injury that sidelined him for all of 2025. - Joaquin Buckley specifically called out former champion Jack Della Maddalena, who lost the title to Makhachev and has not fought since. - The welterweight belt has changed hands frequently; Belal Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards in July 2024, only to lose it to Jack Della Maddalena, who was then defeated by the current champion, Islam Makhachev, in November 2025. - Buckley himself has been inactive, with his last fight being a loss to former champion Kamaru Usman in June 2025. - Other contenders mentioned by Buckley include Ian Machado Garry, who has recent wins but no scheduled bout, and the undefeated Michael Morales (19-0). - Former long-reigning champion Leon Edwards lost the title in July 2024 and has since suffered back-to-back losses, further contributing to the division's state of flux.
