The Ultimate Fighting Championship`s welterweight division, frequently celebrated as one of the sport`s most formidable weight classes, is currently a nexus of intrigue and high-stakes strategy. As the combat landscape shifts with recent title changes and new contenders asserting their dominance, attention inevitably turns to the impending clash between lightweight king Islam Makhachev and new welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Yet, one of the division`s most rapidly ascending stars, Joaquin Buckley, offers a remarkably candid and somewhat audacious perspective on Makhachev`s potential foray into the 170-pound realm.
Joaquin Buckley`s Unstoppable Ascent
Joaquin `New Mansa` Buckley has been on an undeniable tear through the welterweight ranks. With a flawless 6-0 record since transitioning to the 170-pound division and an impressive 4-0 run in 2024, including definitive stoppage victories over seasoned veterans such as Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington, Buckley`s rise has been both swift and spectacular. His upcoming main event bout against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta serves as a definitive litmus test – a challenge Buckley believes will firmly cement his status as the division`s undisputed number one contender.
The Makhachev Prophecy: A Transient Reign?
Despite Islam Makhachev being slated for the next welterweight title shot, Buckley holds a clear and somewhat surprising prediction: Makhachev will indeed claim the 170-pound belt from Della Maddalena. However, Buckley`s crystal ball shows a remarkably short reign for the Dagestani champion at welterweight. “I truly believe if Islam is able to win that 170 (pound) title, he’s going to move,” Buckley asserted. He suggests Makhachev’s pursuit of a second divisional title is primarily a “legacy pass” – a definitive statement for his career rather than a long-term commitment to the arduous welterweight grind. The implication is clear: a swift grab for dual-champion status, followed perhaps by retirement or a strategic return to the lightweight division. The notion of a pound-for-pound king merely visiting a division for a quick trophy is, to some, an intriguing blend of ambition and pragmatism.
The Welterweight Gauntlet: Depth Defined
Buckley’s conviction regarding Makhachev’s likely exit stems from his profound respect for the welterweight division`s inherent depth. He dismisses the idea of Makhachev posing a “big threat” to the division as a whole, not due to any perceived lack of individual skill from Makhachev, but because of the sheer density of elite talent populating 170 pounds. “This is the deepest weight class that you can get into right now,” Buckley emphasized, rattling off a formidable list of potential challengers: the undefeated and highly dangerous Shavkat Rakhmonov, the enigmatic and rapidly rising Ian Garry, and the grappling maestro Sean Brady. These are not merely names; they represent diverse skill sets and relentless competitive drives that, according to Buckley, would make a prolonged stay at 170 pounds an incredibly perilous endeavor for even a pound-for-pound king. One might even imagine a smirk as Buckley ponders the true gauntlet Makhachev would face, should he *dare* to linger.
Buckley`s Own Challenge and Ambition
Should Makhachev, against Buckley’s prediction, decide to brave the welterweight storms, Buckley would eagerly welcome the challenge. Yet, his confidence borders on a stark warning: “Islam’s definitely going to have to prove to the world that he’s ready for this division, period.” Buckley`s own journey through the welterweight ranks has evidently instilled in him an unshakeable belief in his capabilities and the uniquely demanding nature of the division. For him, a decisive win over Kamaru Usman isn`t just a stepping stone; it`s a profound declaration of intent to face anyone, including a newly crowned two-division champion, should they decide to test the welterweight waters for more than a ceremonial dip.
Conclusion: A Division on the Brink
The welterweight division currently stands at a fascinating crossroads. Will Islam Makhachev achieve dual-champion status and then gracefully exit, solidifying his legacy as predicted by Joaquin Buckley? Or will he accept the formidable challenge of a division teeming with hungry, dangerous contenders like Buckley, Rakhmonov, Garry, and Brady, proving Buckley`s assessment of his long-term threat to be understated? Buckley`s audacious predictions inject a captivating layer of narrative into the immediate future of the UFC`s 170-pound landscape, promising an era of unparalleled competition and potentially, some truly surprising decisions from its elite fighters. The only certainty, it seems, is the unpredictable nature of championship aspirations in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
