Joaquin Buckley made his welterweight return at UFC Vegas 73 on Saturday, competing at 170lbs for the first time since joining the UFC. Welcoming “Newmansa” was Andre Fialho, with the pair matched up in the second fight of the Apex event’s main card.
Buckley, still carrying an unbeliveable amount of muscle despite fighting 15 pounds lighter, took some heavy swings against a game Andre Fialho as the fight got underway. Fialho found some success with his right hand; Buckley changed things up later in the round, landing a takedown.
Another takedown would come for Buckley in the final minute, though whether he would get credit for it or not was a question, given Fialho was right back up.
Round two was halted, briefly, as quickly as it started due to a borderline low kick landing on Buckley. After a moment to regain his composure, they got back underway, only for Fialho to rock Buckley with a right hand. Two minutes in, and Buckley closed the distance, punching his way in and tagging Fialho at least once.
Later in the round, Buckley would fire a spinning back kick, missing the mark. His next attack would not miss. Launching a head kick, Joaquin Buckley sent an unaware Fialho crashing back. A single follow-up blow sealed the deal — Buckley had another highlight reel win.
Shin, meet chin 🤝 #UFCVegas73 pic.twitter.com/1GuFMmozu9
— UFC (@ufc) May 20, 2023
Official Result: Joaquin Buckley def. Andre Fialho by TKO (head kick and punch), Round 2, 4:15
