The New UFC Welterweight Era: Joaquin Buckley’s Bold Predictions and the Future of 170 lbs
The welterweight division in the UFC is in a state of flux. Gone are the days of predictable title reigns; instead, we’re witnessing a fascinating reshuffling of the deck. But what if the future of this exciting weight class is being shaped not by the current champion, but by the unconventional predictions of a rising star like **Joaquin Buckley**? His recent assessments aren’t just intriguing; they’re a glimpse into a potential shift in power and a shakeup of the established pecking order.
Buckley’s Bold Rankings: A Challenge to the Status Quo
Buckley’s recent statements have certainly turned heads. He’s not shy about voicing his opinion, and his rankings, placing Ian Machado Garry at the top and champion Jack Della Maddalena in third, defy conventional wisdom. While he’s clearly confident in his own abilities, his assessment highlights the dynamic nature of the division and the constant evolution of fighting styles. He sees Garry’s intelligence and ability to force the chase as a key strength.
The “New Wave” and Their Potential
The recent turnover at 170 lbs, as mentioned in the source material, has seen veterans like Leon Edwards, Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, and Stephen Thompson face defeat. This opens the door for new talent to emerge. Buckley’s assessment of Shavkat Rakhmonov (second) and Sean Brady (fourth) also provides an interesting look at the current landscape. Each fighter brings a unique set of skills to the table, and their respective strengths and weaknesses are what will ultimately define their success in the division.
Ian Machado Garry: The Emerging Threat
Buckley’s high praise for Ian Machado Garry is significant. With a 16-1 professional record and a strong UFC resume, Garry has the potential to become a dominant force. His striking abilities are particularly impressive, and if he can continue to develop his grappling and wrestling, he could be on his way to a title shot. The only blemish on Garry’s record is a loss to Rakhmonov.
Jack Della Maddalena: The Current Champ
While Buckley ranks him third, Jack Della Maddalena is currently holding the belt. Whether Maddalena is able to continue to be successful in the face of so many threats in the division remains to be seen, but he has shown a lot of promise as champion.
The Impact of Styles: Why Matchups Matter
Buckley’s assertion that Sean Brady would be his “easiest fight” underscores the crucial role of styles in mixed martial arts. Some fighters are simply better matched against others, and this is what shapes the future of the division. Some styles are simply more effective against others. Grapplers can often be neutralized by strong strikers, and vice-versa. Understanding these dynamics is key to predicting the future of the welterweight division.
Looking Ahead: Potential Future Trends and Implications
What does all of this mean for the future? We could see a more fluid and unpredictable welterweight division, where dominant champions are replaced by a constant rotation of top contenders. It’s possible that the grappling-heavy style, like that of Sean Brady, will become less effective against dynamic strikers, as the sport continues to evolve. Further research on the evolution of combat sports strategies can be found here: PubMed Central.
Buckley’s words, even if not entirely accurate, offer valuable insight into how the fighters are thinking about each other and how they view the division. His perspective as a rising star provides a unique window into the changes within the welterweight division.
What are your predictions for the future of the **UFC Welterweight** division? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
