Joaquin Buckley Calls Out Shavkat Rakhmonov for Interim Welterweight Title Bout
Joaquin Buckley is determined to secure his shot at the interim welterweight title.
Recent reports revealed that welterweight champion Belal Muhammad had to withdraw from his UFC 310 title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov due to an injury. With the UFC now searching for a replacement opponent for Rakhmonov, there is speculation about the possibility of an interim welterweight title fight. Ian Machado Garry wasted no time in expressing his interest in the opportunity, but Buckley has a different perspective.
In response to Garry’s callout, Buckley released a video asserting his claim to the throne and dismissing Garry’s challenge. He emphasized the fans’ desire for knockout finishes and highlighted his impressive record of 14 knockouts, including victories over ranked opponents.
Buckley stated, “UFC, this is the fight y’all have got to make. Like I told y’all, I’m coming to take the throne, and I ain’t playing. Boom!”
Ranked No. 9 in the UFC welterweight division, Buckley is riding a five-fight unbeaten streak and most recently defeated Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson at UFC 307.
On the other hand, Garry holds the No. 7 spot in the rankings and secured a close victory over Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303.
UFC 310 is scheduled for Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, featuring a men’s flyweight title clash between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura.