UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley didn`t hold back his thoughts on fellow fighter Sean Brady.
Buckley is scheduled to face the biggest challenge of his mixed martial arts career next month at UFC Atlanta against former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. This marks Usman`s return to the Octagon following his middleweight loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
Buckley is positioning himself for a potential welterweight title shot after an impressive series of victories in the Octagon. He has secured wins against notable opponents such as Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Nursulton Ruziboev since transitioning to the welterweight division full-time.
However, according to Buckley, the main event spot at UFC Atlanta was not initially meant for him.
Joaquin Buckley Criticizes Sean Brady Ahead of UFC Atlanta Bout
The opportunity initially presented itself to Sean Brady, who recently defeated former UFC titleholder Leon Edwards at UFC London earlier this year. Following that victory, Brady called out several top welterweights, including Usman, but he reportedly declined the offer to fight Usman at UFC Atlanta.
While Buckley is grateful for stepping up and getting the fight, he believes Brady made a significant error in turning down the matchup, especially considering both fighters are aiming for a title opportunity.
In a recent interview with Parry Punch, Buckley strongly criticized Brady for passing on the Usman fight in favor of waiting for a title shot.“[Usman] claimed he wanted the Sean Brady fight. Sean Brady skipped on him because he’s like: ‘I don’t need you now, I’m No. 1 contender.’ Brady’s stupid. If that’s true, Brady you dumb,” Buckley stated.
“The name you collected ain’t worth nothing. Leon [Edwards] ain’t worth nothing. Sean Brady’s stupid because Kamaru Usman, he is that guy. Kamaru Usman will be a Hall of Famer in the UFC, no doubt.”
“So the names do matter. The names do hold value. The names do hold weight. So Sean Brady f*cked up, but his f*ck up is my blessing.”
As of now, Brady has not publicly responded to Buckley’s remarks. With Ian Machado Garry recently serving as a backup fighter for UFC 315, it remains uncertain if Brady will receive an immediate title shot or what his timeline for returning to competition is.
Both Buckley and Brady present compelling arguments for a title shot, particularly if Buckley emerges victorious at UFC Atlanta. However, the UFC has a history of not rewarding fighters who choose to wait for specific title opportunities rather than staying active.
Ian Machado Garry vs. Sean Brady: A Potential Top Contender Bout
Following Brady`s public criticism of Garry for comments made about not securing a UFC 315 title shot, a matchup between these two top welterweights appears to make sense. Garry recently secured a victory against Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City, bouncing back after his first career defeat in December.
The UFC welterweight title landscape is also evolving with the potential addition of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who plans to vacate his lightweight belt to move up. Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira are set to compete for the vacant title at UFC 317.
Buckley, Brady, and Garry all have strong claims for a title opportunity, along with the currently sidelined Shavkat Rakhmonov. As Jack Della Maddalena begins his reign as UFC welterweight champion, the top of the division is filled with potential contenders.
Jack Thornley