Ever since his fight with Impa Kasanganay back in October, it’s been impossible for MMA fans to avoid Joaquin Buckley. Because, frankly, his insane knockout at UFC Fight Island 5 was everywhere. And it was worth watching, over and over.
Buckley (11-3) returns this weekend at UFC 255. There, the middleweight is paired up with another fun, creative striker in Jordan Wright. That match-up has been booked for one clear cut reason: produce another exciting finish.
In terms of how things have changed for Buckley since the finish so good Kayne West made theme music for it, it’s simple. “Having that exposure right now is a big deal, because all it does is bring more profit to me,” explained Buckley, speaking to Cageside Press during the UFC 255 media day. Which “allows me to get more fights and people come after me and whatnot, just trying to get that name. So it does a lot for me. And that’s the only thing that’s changed, is just the exposure for me. I’m known now instead of unknown.”
Speaking of that Kayne track, Buckley later said that “I’m appreciative of Kanye West for throwing that out there.” Adding that West is a legend within the hip hop community, “for him to be inspired by my kick, come out with a classic hit like that, it’s pretty cool. So I’m grateful.”
However, at the same time, Buckley is staying grounded. “We will we never get high off of what we do,” he stated ahead of his showdown with Wright. “You know, we just constantly keep working, and keep getting better, and just add to the game.”
UFC 255 takes place Saturday, November 21 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card airs live on PPV following online and televised prelims.
