Joaquin Buckley received arguably the loudest pop at UFC St. Louis. The welterweight contender had fans at the edge of their seats with an impressive performance against Nursulton Ruziboev in the co-main event of the fight night, though he didn’t win the Performance of the Night bonus.
Even though Buckley had trolled Ruziboev and his country, the sentiment changed after the fight. Buckley had walked out with the Uzbekistan flag, which he gave to an Uzbek after embracing him. Buckley responded with a heartfelt message when asked about it at the press conference.
I didn’t want to disrespect the flag at all. I just carried it out, just like Nursulton [Ruziboev] did. He carried his flag out. But I feel like, you know, flags don’t separate us, right? I feel like we’re all from one brotherhood when we step in that cage. Yeah, we go to war, but once we spill blood, we’re brothers. So it doesn’t matter what flag you represent.
Joaquin Buckley at the UFC St. Louis post-fight press conference
After the victory, Buckley made a bizarre callout of Conor McGregor. Nonetheless, Dana White confirmed that wouldn’t happen. As such, Buckley revealed at the press conference Gilbert Burns is the realistic option. Nevertheless, “New Mansa” stated he wouldn’t mind stepping on short notice if Michael Chandler pulls out from UFC 303.
Buckley has made a significant stride since his move to welterweight. In his previous fight, he finished Vicente Luque, something only a few have done. Moreover, he even came close to finishing Ruziboev, but referee Keith Peterson didn’t stop the fight.
Joaquin Buckley blames the referee for not stopping the fight against Nursulton Ruziboev
Joaquin Buckley defeated Nursulton Ruziboev via scorecards 30-27, 30-26, and 29-27. The fight was close in the first two rounds, though the American fighter seemed to have the upper hand. However, Buckley hurt Ruziboev in the third round and almost finished the Uzbek.
Joaquin Buckley speaks on the fight against Nursulton Ruziboev (Image via: IMAGO)Commentators thought Peterson would jump in to stop the fight, but the referee saw signs of life from the fighter and did not step in. Buckley had an interesting take on why the stoppage didn’t happen, which was revealed at the post-fight press conference.
I guess [Keith[ Peterson had his money on somebody else, you know what I mean? Cause he should have stopped the fight a long time ago. But it is what it is.
Joaquin Buckley at the UFC St. Louis post-fight press conference
🚨JOAQUIN BUCKLEY KNOCKS DOWN NURSULTON RUZIBOEV
ruzi walks right into a three piece dinner by Buckley and tries to run but the St. Louis native is able to knock him down with a jumping lead left hook to the dome 🥊
Mike Tyson of MMA? pic.twitter.com/qDQ7TL9Yex
— TOUGH GUY NETWORK 🦾 (@TOUGHGUYNETWORK) May 12, 2024
Nonetheless, Buckley credited Ruziboev as a ‘tough guy’. Moreover, he even praised the Uzbek for his will, which enabled him to finish the fight. Buckley had trained with tall fighters to fight the 6’5″ Uzbek, and he revealed it provided dividends inside the octagon.
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