JOAQUIN BUCKLEY

Biography

Joaquin Yuconri Buckley ( / hw ɑː ˈ k iː n / whah- KEEN ; born April 27, 1994) is an American professional mixed martial artist . He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2014, he has also formerly competed for Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Alliance . As of June 9, 2026, he is #10 in the UFC welterweight rankings . Buckley was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri . Buckley and his mother lived in his grandmother's house for the most part of his youth. Buckley's mother died due to a heart condition when he was in the sixth grade. He started wrestling at Marquette High School , growing interested in mixed martial arts, and eventually started training in it after graduating.