Since the conclusion of UFC Tampa last week, one name has dominated conversations—welterweight sensation Joaquin Buckley. Once an underdog in the division, ‘New Mansa’ has rapidly risen to prominence, a storm threatening to shake up the entire weight class. Earlier this year, however, Buckley found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond fighting. Known for his polarizing antics, he stirred controversy with brash remarks like calling out UFC icon Conor McGregor with the cutting jab, “Your dad was a b***h,”, and criticizing veteran Cub Swanson for failing to secure a title shot despite more than 15 years in the promotion.

However, the tables have turned. In his fourth standout appearance of the year, Joaquin Buckley delivered a commanding victory over Colby Covington via doctor’s stoppage, silencing his critics and earning the respect of fans and seasoned veterans alike. Among those now praising the rising star is none other than Covington’s mentor, Chael Sonnen.

Speaking on his podcast, Bad Guy/Good Guy, alongside co-host Daniel Cormier, Chael Sonnen drew from his extensive MMA and UFC experience to offer a compelling analysis of Joaquin Buckley’s promising future. Sonnen remarked, “I could not put a ceiling on that version—that version of Joaquin Buckley doesn’t have a ceiling. That means he could go with Belal Muhammad. It means he could go with Rakhmonov. It means he could go with Leon, and I think he’s going to be given that opportunity.”

Sonnen further went on to heap further praise on the rising welterweight star, delivering a bold prediction that underscored the Missouri native’s surging popularity among fight fans.. He stated, “That is how the numbers look. It won’t matter who the opponent is—if you win in a main event, all the glory goes to you. I don’t think he’s going to come down the card; I can see him staying as the main event. In fairness, we thought he was pretty good, but for a short-notice fight, he showed he’s one of the most game fighters out there.”

In a remarkably short time, Joaquin Buckley has solidified his status as a fan favorite—and for good reason. Just a few years ago, he was a fighter struggling with inconsistency in the middleweight division, holding a 5-4 record. But his move to welterweight sparked a career renaissance. ‘New Mansa’ has since become a dominant force, riding an undefeated streak through his last six fights. With each electrifying performance, he continues to captivate fans, leaving everyone wondering: who will be the next to challenge this surging welterweight contender?

Who is next for Joaquin Buckley?

After putting Colby Covington out of commission in his first headline event, Joaquin Buckley immediately called out 37-year-old Kamaru Usman as his next target. However, after cooling down at the post-fight presser, ‘New Mansa’ thanked God, the UFC, and his fans, declaring, “I’ve got to thank God first for putting me right here and really blessing me to chase my dreams, not only chase my dreams but give me the confidence to chase because now, I can provide for my family.”

To show gratitude to his fans, Joaquin Buckley threw the ball to them, asking them to pick his next opponent from the options of Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards, and Belal Muhammad. The crowd seemed mostly inclined toward Usman. However, now it’s up to the UFC and Dana White to choose Buckley’s next opponent. One thing is for sure—’New Mansa’ won’t stop until his title shot is done, something he himself has openly declared, saying, “2025 is definitely my year, and we are definitely taking over.”

What’s your take on Joaquin Buckley’s future in the UFC? Has he become an unstoppable force and a potential title contender? If ‘New Mansa’ were to face the future champion Shavkat Rakhmonov in the cage, who do you see coming out on top? Share your thoughts below.