Buckley Calls Out Inactive UFC Welterweights: 'We All Wasting Time'

The middleweight contender wants to see more action in the 170-pound division.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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UFC middleweight contender Joaquin Buckley is frustrated with the lack of activity in the welterweight division. Buckley, who is coming off a loss to former champion Kamaru Usman, believes fighters like Jack Della Maddalena, Carlos Prates, and Ian Machado Garry need to start competing more frequently to keep the division exciting. Buckley is ready to step up and face anyone to get the 170-pound weight class moving again.

Why it matters

The welterweight division is one of the most talent-rich and exciting weight classes in the UFC, but Buckley feels the top contenders are not fighting often enough to keep the momentum going. As a top middleweight, Buckley has a vested interest in seeing the welterweights stay active and put on entertaining fights for the fans.

The details

Buckley (21-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC) hasn't fought since losing to Usman last June, snapping his six-fight winning streak. He believes fighters like Della Maddalena, Prates, Morales, and Garry need to start competing more regularly to keep the division active. Buckley specifically called out Della Maddalena, saying their styles would make for an exciting matchup.

  • Buckley last fought in June 2026, losing to Usman.
  • At UFC 322, Makhachev won the welterweight title, Morales and Prates had big wins, and Garry defeated former champ Belal Muhammad.

The players

Joaquin Buckley

A UFC middleweight contender who is calling for more activity in the welterweight division.

Jack Della Maddalena

A top-ranked welterweight who Buckley believes would make for an exciting matchup.

Islam Makhachev

The new UFC welterweight champion.

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What they’re saying

“If I can get anybody active, I say JDM. Me and JDM would be good money. It ain't because where he placed in the rankings as No. 1, but I think me and JDM just stylistically, we match. Fireworks, I'm sure because of what we both went through getting held down for damn near five rounds.”

— Joaquin Buckley, UFC Middleweight Contender (MMA Junkie)

“Right now, the division is on standstill. The matchmakers know their job. They know better than me what they're doing, but right now they've got the hottest division and ain't nobody fighting. You've got Islam out there playing Wrestleball. You've got Prates out there partying and clubbing. You've got Morales out there twerking and twirling. You've got JDM still at the house crying. You've got Leon missing again. You've got Belal trying to sell War Meals. You've got Ian Garry watching in the corner.”

— Joaquin Buckley, UFC Middleweight Contender (MMA Junkie)

What’s next

Buckley is hoping the UFC matchmakers will book more active fights in the welterweight division to keep the momentum going and showcase the top contenders.

The takeaway

As a top middleweight, Buckley has a vested interest in seeing the welterweight division stay active and entertaining. His comments highlight the need for the UFC's top 170-pound fighters to stay busy and compete regularly to keep the division exciting for the fans.