Collision Course: Why Buckley vs. Garry Could Be UFC’s Next Must-See Rivalry

The welterweight division is heating up, and not just inside the cage. While Joaquin Buckley and Ian Machado Garry are currently climbing separate ladders toward title contention, the tension between these two dynamic strikers is already reaching a boiling point.

I’ve been covering the fight game for years, and sometimes you can just feel when two fighters are destined to meet. This is definitely one of those situations.

Two Rising Stars on Collision Course

Buckley (18-6) has been on an absolute tear since dropping to welterweight, putting together three straight wins including a stunning knockout of Nursulton Ruziboev. Meanwhile, the undefeated Garry (14-0) continues his methodical climb up the rankings with clinical performances that have many comparing him to a young Conor McGregor.

But what’s making this potential matchup so intriguing isn’t just their fighting styles – it’s the genuine dislike brewing between them.

Bad Blood Bubbling Up

The tension first surfaced when Buckley called out the Irishman during a post-fight interview, claiming Garry was “ducking real competition.” Garry fired back on social media, dismissing Buckley as “desperate for attention” and suggesting he “hadn’t earned the right” to share the octagon with him.

What started as typical fighter banter has escalated with each passing week. During a recent media day, Buckley didn’t mince words:

“Garry thinks he’s something special because he can talk. I’m in this game to fight, not play celebrity. When we meet – and we will meet – I’m going to show him the difference between a hype job and a real fighter.”

Garry, never one to back down from verbal sparring, responded with his own jab: “Buckley should focus on staying relevant enough to get the fight. I’ll be challenging for gold while he’s still begging for my attention.”

Tale of the Tape: Contrasting Styles

Different Paths, Same Destination

You can see the storylines writing themselves. Buckley represents the blue-collar fighter who clawed his way up through sheer determination and explosive power. His viral knockout of Impa Kasanganay remains one of the most spectacular finishes in UFC history.

Garry, meanwhile, carries himself with the confidence of someone destined for championship gold since day one. The former Cage Warriors champion has been carefully building his brand alongside his undefeated record.

Their contrasting personalities and fighting approaches make this potential matchup marketing gold for the UFC.

When Could We See This Fight?

Both fighters have work to do before the UFC would likely book this matchup. Garry is currently targeting top-5 opponents, while Buckley needs another signature win to force the issue.

My prediction? If both men continue their winning ways, we could see this fight materialize by mid-2025 – possibly as a title eliminator or even with championship stakes on the line.

The promotion knows a good rivalry when they see one, and the foundation for something special is already being laid between these two welterweight standouts.

The Fans Are Ready

A quick scan of social media shows the MMA community is already invested in this budding rivalry. The contrast in styles, personalities, and career trajectories makes for compelling storytelling – the kind that transforms good fights into must-see events.

Whether you’re Team Buckley or Team Garry, one thing’s certain – when these two finally lock horns in the octagon, nobody will be changing the channel.

Who Do You Think Wins?

Would Buckley’s explosive power prove too much for Garry’s technical approach? Or would the Irishman’s precision and fight IQ neutralize Buckley’s aggression? Drop your predictions in the comments below!

And while we wait for this inevitable showdown, I’ll be here tracking every development, callout, and social media exchange between these two future stars.

Stay tuned – the welterweight division just got a lot more interesting.