Joaquin Buckley Biography: Joaquin Yuconri Buckley born April 27, 1994 is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the UFC’s welterweight division. Competing professionally since 2014, he has previously fought in promotions such as Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Alliance. As of April 29, 2025, Buckley is ranked #7 in the UFC welterweight rankings.
Joaquin Buckley Biography
Joaquin Buckley is a 31-year-old American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s welterweight division. Since turning pro in 2014, Buckley has built a record of 16 wins and 6 losses, including 12 victories by knockout and 4 first-round finishes. Before securing a multi-fight contract with the UFC, he fought in several other promotions, including Bellator MMA, Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), and Shamrock FC.
Joaquin Buckley Biography 2025 Details
Born | Joaquin Yuconri Buckley April 27, 1994 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
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Other names | New Mansa |
Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) |
Division | Middleweight (2019–2022) Welterweight (2014–2018, 2023–present) |
Reach | 76 in (193 cm) |
Style | Wrestling |
Fighting out of | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
Team | Finney’s MMA (2012–present) Murcielago MMA (2020–present) |
Years active | 2014–present |
Category | WWE News |
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About Joaquin Buckley
Joaquin Yuconri Buckley is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2014, he has also formerly competed for Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Alliance.
Joaquin Buckley Achievements
Nicknamed “New Mansa,” Buckley made his UFC debut against Kevin Holland on August 8, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleinik in Las Vegas. He lost the fight via third-round TKO. Over the course of three years competing in the UFC, Buckley has participated in ten bouts. Initially fighting in the middleweight division, he returned to welterweight in his most recent matchup against Andre Fialho.
Joaquin Buckley Wiki
- Born: 27 April 1994 (age 31 years), St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Style: Wrestling
- Weight: 77 kg
- Height: 1.73 m
- Nickname: New Mansa
- Education: Marquette High School
- Division: Middleweight (2019–2022); Welterweight (2014–2018, 2023–present)
Early Life
Buckley was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. For most of his childhood, he lived with his mother and grandmother. Tragically, his mother passed away from a heart condition when he was in the sixth grade. Buckley began wrestling at Marquette High School and developed a growing interest in mixed martial arts, which he pursued more seriously after graduation.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Buckley began his professional MMA career in 2014, amassing a 10–2 record while competing in organizations such as Shamrock FC, Bellator MMA, and Legacy Fighting Alliance. One of his most notable early matchups was against Logan Storley at Bellator 197 on April 13, 2018, which he lost via unanimous decision. After earning back-to-back TKO victories in LFA, Buckley was signed by the UFC. Buckley made his UFC debut on August 8, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 174, just one week after earning a win in LFA. He faced Kevin Holland and lost the bout via third-round technical knockout.
He was next scheduled to face Abu Azaitar on October 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen. However, Azaitar withdrew from the fight on September 26 for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Impa Kasanganay. Buckley won the fight with a stunning second-round knockout. In a highlight-reel moment, after Kasanganay caught a body kick, Buckley spun and delivered a jumping back kick to the head, knocking his opponent out cold—earning widespread attention and acclaim.
Joaquin Buckley Net Worth 2025
Joaquin Buckley’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, according to multiple sources. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Buckley earns a substantial portion of his income through his performances inside the UFC Octagon. In addition to his fighting career, he also boosts his earnings through brand promotions on social media. For instance, ahead of his fight at UFC Fight Night: Dawson vs. Green on October 7, 2023, in Las Vegas, Buckley partnered with hydration brand PureFuel. Buckley also operates his own personal website, where he promotes his brand and remains open to sponsorships, endorsements, and other promotional opportunities—positioning himself as both a rising UFC talent and a budding entrepreneur.
Joaquin Buckley Salary
For his fight against Andre Fialho at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill on May 20, 2025, Buckley earned a total payout of $260,000. This included a $150,000 base salary, a $100,000 win bonus, and $10,000 from sponsorships. He secured the victory via TKO at 4:15 of the second round.
FAQs
How much did Joaquin Buckley get paid?
Joaquin Buckley’s UFC salary is around $250,000 per fight.
What martial art does Joaquin Buckley do?
Joaquin Yuconri Buckley born April 27, 1994) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
What is Joaquin Buckley’s source of income outside the UFC?
In addition to his UFC fight earnings, Joaquin Buckley generates income through brand partnerships and social media promotions. He frequently collaborates with companies and showcases sponsored products on platforms like Instagram.
Does Joaquin Buckley own any business or personal brand?
Yes, Joaquin Buckley has his own website where he promotes his personal brand. Through this platform, he actively seeks sponsorships, endorsements, and promotional opportunities, establishing himself as a growing entrepreneur in the MMA world.
How does Joaquin Buckley promote his fights?
Buckley uses his social media presence, particularly Instagram, to promote upcoming fights and related sponsorships. He has been seen partnering with brands such as PureFuel in the lead-up to major UFC events.
Where is Joaquin Buckley based?
Joaquin Buckley fights out of St. Louis, Missouri, United States. It’s where he grew up and continues to represent as a professional fighter in the UFC.