Joaquin Buckley Announces Retirement After One More UFC Fight
Joaquin Buckley says his next fight will be his last after a third straight loss and a phone call with his grandmother.
Joaquin Buckley is hanging up the gloves after one more walk to the Octagon.
The 32-year-old UFC welterweight announced his plan to retire in an Instagram video this week, days after being knocked out by a knee from Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton on October 17. The loss was Buckley's third in a row, following decision defeats to Kamaru Usman and Sean Brady earlier in his welterweight run.
Buckley said a phone call with his grandmother pushed him to the decision. She was upset watching him take damage and told him it was time to stop. "This will be my last one," Buckley said. "There comes a point where you have to stop before you give up too much of yourself. One more. Then I'm done."
The St. Louis native finishes his career with a 21-9 record, including 15 knockouts and an 11-7 mark inside the UFC. Buckley first turned heads with his spectacular spinning back kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay in October 2020, one of the most replayed finishes in UFC history. He later notched wins over Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington during a six-fight winning streak that carried him into the welterweight top ten.
But the move to 170 pounds came with stiffer competition. Usman wrestled him to a decision loss, Brady repeated the formula, and Malott put him away with a knee that Buckley never saw coming. At 21-9 with five knockout losses on his record, the math started telling a different story.
No opponent or date has been announced for Buckley's final fight. He is currently ranked eleventh in the UFC's welterweight division.
I respect this more than I can say. Buckley could chase another contract, take a couple of easy fights on the regional scene, and milk it for another year or two. Instead, his grandma called him and told him the truth, and he listened.
The spinning back kick on Kasanganay is one of those moments that changed what people thought was possible inside the Octagon. That clip will be on highlight reels for as long as the UFC exists. But three straight losses at welterweight, including a brutal knockout, is the sport telling you something. Buckley heard it.
I just hope the UFC gives him a sendoff he deserves. Put him on a card in St. Louis or give him a fun matchup against someone who will stand and trade. The fans owe Buckley a standing ovation, and the promotion owes him a spotlight for his last walk. Thirty-two years old with a young family. Smart man.
KEEP TALKING FIGHTS.
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