UFC Fighter Buckley Challenges Boxer Crawford to Sparring Match

Rivalry between boxing and MMA heats up as Buckley calls out Crawford on social media

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley has fired back at boxing champions Shakur Stevenson and Terence Crawford after they dismissed the entertainment value of MMA. Buckley accused the boxers of disrespect and challenged Crawford to a sparring session at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on March 7th, offering to participate for free. This exchange highlights the ongoing debate over which combat sport produces the most skilled fighters, with Buckley claiming MMA fighters would prevail in a real-world confrontation.

Why it matters

The conflict between boxing and MMA has long captured public fascination, as fans and athletes alike debate which discipline produces the most well-rounded fighters. While full-scale cross-promotion fights are complex to arrange, sparring sessions offer a glimpse into potential outcomes and could pave the way for more frequent, informal cross-discipline interactions.

The details

The conflict began when Stevenson and Crawford dismissed the entertainment value of MMA during a live stream, with Stevenson claiming the 'UFC would never be better than boxing at all.' Buckley responded with a fiery rebuke, accusing the boxers of disrespect and stating that if they 'came outside, I could kill you.' Crawford then joined the debate, responding to Buckley's claims with a dismissive comment about 'switches' and questioning Buckley's standing in the sport.

  • Stevenson and Crawford made their comments dismissing MMA during a live stream.
  • Buckley responded to the boxers' comments on social media on February 13, 2026.

The players

Joaquin Buckley

A UFC welterweight contender who has challenged boxer Terence Crawford to a sparring session.

Terence Crawford

A professional boxer and former unified welterweight champion who has been challenged by Buckley.

Shakur Stevenson

A professional boxer who, along with Terence Crawford, dismissed the entertainment value of MMA during a live stream.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“UFC would never be better than boxing at all.”

— Shakur Stevenson, Boxer (Live stream)

“If we came outside, I could kill you.”

— Joaquin Buckley, UFC Fighter (Social media)

“This ain't got nothing to do with payday. This is about skill.”

— Joaquin Buckley, UFC Fighter (Social media)

What’s next

Terence Crawford has not yet responded to Buckley's challenge for a sparring session at the UFC Apex on March 7th. Whether Crawford accepts the offer will be a key indicator of whether the boxing world is willing to engage in this type of cross-discipline competition.

The takeaway

The ongoing debate between boxing and MMA continues to captivate fans, with Buckley's challenge to Crawford highlighting the public's fascination with hypothetical matchups between athletes from different combat sports. While full-scale cross-promotion fights remain complex, these types of informal sparring sessions could pave the way for more frequent cross-discipline interactions and a better understanding of which discipline produces the most well-rounded fighters.