UFC star Joaquin Buckley has issued a strong warning to Islam Makhachev regarding his recent decision to change weight classes.
Following Jack Della Maddalena`s win against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, lightweight champion Makhachev announced his intention to move up a division and challenge for the welterweight (170-pound) championship.
While some, like Chael Sonnen, have criticized Makhachev for potentially avoiding a matchup with Ilia Topuria, one specific MMA fighter believes there`s a different reason why the lightweight champion should have stayed put.
This fighter is confident that he possesses the necessary skills to defeat the highly-touted champion.
Joaquin Buckley Declares Himself Islam Makhachev`s `Worst Nightmare`
Joaquin Buckley claims to have identified vulnerabilities in Islam Makhachev`s fighting style that he believes he could exploit if they were ever to compete.
Buckley, known as `New Mansa`, suggested in an interview that if he defeats Kamaru Usman on June 14th, Makhachev will come to regret his move to the welterweight division.
In a conversation with Parry Punch, Buckley stated: “Even though Islam and I haven`t had any direct history, he`s going to learn a lot about me if we ever face each other.
“Considering the opponents he`s struggled against and those who have exposed some vulnerabilities in his game, I believe I`ll be his ultimate challenge, not Jack Della Maddalena.”
Buckley continued: “Della Maddalena has several flaws that Islam could capitalize on, as we saw in his fight against Gilbert Burns and in other previous bouts.
“However, my style, demonstrated by my performance against Colby Covington and what I plan to do against Kamaru Usman, will certainly be a concern for him.”
“Even Khabib Nurmagomedov would likely advise him that moving up isn`t a wise decision. I`m aiming for that pound-for-pound recognition.”
UFC Legend Predicts Jack Della Maddalena Victory Over Islam Makhachev
Regardless of Buckley`s outspoken remarks, a victory for Makhachev against Della Maddalena is by no means certain.
The Australian contender has consistently proven his high-level skills, earning the attention of at least one former UFC world champion.
After carefully analyzing the fighting styles of both men, the respected veteran shared his prediction for how a potential fight between them would unfold.
In a detailed breakdown, the former champion explained his reasoning for believing Della Maddalena has the technical advantages to defeat Makhachev.
Jack Thornley