Former welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson faced off with Joaquin Buckley in the featured preliminary card fight at UFC 307 — a striking fan’s dream.
“Wonderboy” has become known as the most prominent karate-based fighter in the UFC since Lyoto Machida, while Buckley shot to fame thanks to the 2020 Knockout of the Year against Impa Kasanganay, a two-touch spinning back that will live on in highlight reels for years to come.
The fight started off slow and measured as do most fights with “Wonderboy” involved. But Buckley quickly corralled Thompson to the cage and was able to elevate his opponent with a double leg. Joaquin landed the massive slam but seconds later, Wonderboy was back up to his feet, back against the cage. The two men engaged in the clinch for a second before separating into space once again. A few seconds later and Wonderboy blitzed Buckley, triggering a slip. Moments later Thompson landed a partially blocked head kick.
Midway through the round, Wonderboy landed another right hand that snapped back Buckely’s head. Joaquin was able to get in on a single, but Wonderboy defended it against the cage and moved back into space. With a little less than two minutes left in the round, Buckley was able to momentarily get Thompson to the ground once again. Same story unfolded as Thompson found his feet against the cage, the clinch and then his way back into space. With thirty seconds left in the round Stephen landed another partially blocked thudding head kick. It flushed out another panicked shot from Buckley. Thompson skillfully defended the powerful takedown attempt as the round came to an end.
To begin the second round, Thompson came right back out and started to pick at Buckley with light, fast shots. Joaquin was able to land in the opening minute which got Thompson’s attention. Buckley kept up the pressure up and tried another takedown to which Wonderboy immediately returned to his feet. After a little bit of inactivity on the feet Buckley put together a few good combinations. Then Joaquin was able to find a way to bring Wonderboy down to the ground. However, once again, it was only a few seconds till Stephen returned back to his feet. With 52 seconds left in the round the action was momentarily stopped as Buckley seemingly landed a glancing shot off of the cup. When the action resumed, Buckley came out really trying to find a way to close the distance, looking somewhat frustrated as he threw wild leaping strikes.
To start the final round, Buckley continued to bring the pressure finally finding the chin of his elusive opponent on a few looping hooks. The two fighters continued to engage in space. With Stephen continuing to play the role of matador against his aggressive and seemingly desperate, opponent. After another partial head kick landed for Wonderboy, Joaquin turned it on and came charging in. Buckley blitzed Stephen, bobbing and weaving, changing levels and throwing those wild hooks. Thompson evaded, retreating until he backed into the cage where he was clipped, dropped and swarmed courtesy of one of those leaping hooks Buckley had been throwing all fight.
A huge finish and feather in the cap of the rising welterweight, Joaquin Buckley. Joaquin took the time in his post-fight speech to call out former UFC Welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman.
Official Result: Joaquin Buckley def. Stephen Thompson by KO (punch), Round 3, 2:17
