Joaquin Buckley is looking to rebound in a big way.
Buckley (21-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC) hasn’t competed since losing a decision to former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in June. He has now turned his attention to another former champion in Belal Muhammad, who’s on the first losing skid of his career after back-to-back losses to Jack Della Maddalena, and Ian Machado Garry.
Advertisement
He wants Muhammad (24-5 MMA, 15-5 UFC) at UFC 326 on March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“Happy New Year, big fella. Yeah, Belal, I like that – 2026, you’re trying to get a win,” Buckley said on his Instagram. “But when are you trying to get a win? W-H-E-N. Because when you’re talking these goals, and when you’re making big plans for the new year, you’ve got to be real specific. So put a date on it. See, I’ve got a date for you: March 7, let’s make it happen in Vegas. Let’s run, and we can both aim for our goals is to get a win, a W-I-N. Let’s go.”
Prior to the Usman loss, Buckley was on a six-fight winning streak, including back-to-back stoppage wins over Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Joaquin Buckley issues challenge to ex-champ for UFC 326
