UFC Fighter Calls Out Terence Crawford for Sparring Match

Joaquin Buckley challenges former boxing champ to settle their rivalry at the UFC APEX next month.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley has called out retired boxing champion Terence Crawford, challenging him to a sparring match at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas next month. The tension between the two fighters began after Buckley took issue with comments made by Crawford and Shakur Stevenson criticizing MMA. Buckley has now issued an open invitation to Crawford to settle their rivalry in the ring.

Why it matters

This potential matchup between a top UFC fighter and a former boxing champion would generate significant interest and attention, as it highlights the ongoing debate and rivalry between the boxing and MMA communities. It also presents an opportunity for the two athletes to settle their differences in a controlled sparring environment.

The details

Buckley first went after Stevenson following his 'disrespectful' boxing vs. UFC claim. Crawford then hit back, calling Buckley 'clueless' for saying he could kill Stevenson in a fight. Now, Buckley has called out Crawford, saying he wants to spar him at the UFC APEX next month. Buckley stated that he is 'dead serious' about the matchup and is willing to do it for free, without any financial incentive.

  • Buckley issued the challenge on his Instagram on February 12, 2026.
  • Buckley said he plans to make his way to Las Vegas on March 7, 2026 to set up the sparring match.

The players

Joaquin Buckley

A UFC welterweight contender who is currently ranked in the top 10 of the division. Buckley is coming off a loss to Kamaru Usman but has won six of his last seven fights in the UFC.

Terence Crawford

A former undisputed boxing champion who retired in 2025 after defeating Canelo Alvarez to become the super middleweight champion. Crawford finished his career with a perfect 42-0 record.

Shakur Stevenson

A professional boxer who has been involved in the ongoing feud between Crawford and Buckley after making comments criticizing MMA.

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What they’re saying

“Bud is talking crazy, acting like he would do something in the streets, saying he is going to flip the switch, he is going to need the switch if he is playing with me.”

— Joaquin Buckley, UFC Welterweight Contender (Instagram)

“We ain't going to be playing like that. Let's get in the ring, let's spar. You are out in Vegas a lot, you spar at the Apex, you work at the Apex. I think it would be fun. The whole world would like to watch.”

— Joaquin Buckley, UFC Welterweight Contender (Instagram)

What’s next

Buckley plans to travel to Las Vegas on March 7, 2026 to set up the sparring match with Crawford at the UFC APEX.

The takeaway

This potential matchup between a top UFC fighter and a former boxing champion highlights the ongoing rivalry and debate between the boxing and MMA communities. It presents an opportunity for the two athletes to settle their differences in a controlled sparring environment and could generate significant interest and attention.