As the 2023 UFC calendar approaches its finale, the anticipation builds for an electrifying showdown between Ian Machado Garry and Joaquin Buckley. Set to headline UFC Fight Night on December 14 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, this welterweight bout promises to deliver high-stakes action following some significant shake-ups in the division. This match comes on the heels of welterweight champion Belal Muhammad withdrawing from his title defense against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, scheduled for UFC 310 on December 7 in Las Vegas.
The unexpected exit of Muhammad has left a vacuum in the welterweight landscape, raising questions about Rakhmonov’s future fight card placement. Many fans were eager to see Muhammad’s first title defense after his hard-fought ascension in the welterweight hierarchy, but with the champion sidelined, the focus swiftly turns to Garry and Buckley. Both fighters have publicly expressed interest in facing Rakhmonov, but by scheduling their bout for the following week, the UFC has seemingly chosen to postpone any immediate clash between its rising stars.
Ian Machado Garry, hailing from Dublin, Ireland, stands at an impressive 15-0 in his professional career and is currently ranked seventh among welterweights. His most recent performance, a unanimous decision victory over Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303, showcased not just his striking abilities but also his tactical acumen. Garry’s appeal lies not just in his undefeated status, but also in his charisma and marketability. His desire to face Rakhmonov signals ambition, but the UFC’s decision to have him face Buckley first could serve to define Garry’s trajectory within the division even more clearly.
On the other side of the octagon awaits Joaquin Buckley, who currently holds a record of 20-6 and ranks ninth in the welterweight division. Buckley’s resurgence since re-entering the 170-pound category in May 2023 is remarkable; he has clinched five consecutive victories, with his latest being a sensational knockout of former title contender Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson at UFC 307. Buckley’s electrifying striking power and resilience make him a daunting opponent for Garry, and this fight could serve as a litmus test for both fighters— who will emerge as the true contender in a rapidly shifting division?
With high stakes surrounding this matchup, there’s an undercurrent of strategic implications for both Garry and Buckley. For Garry, a victory could firmly establish him as the next in line for a title shot against the likes of Rakhmonov, should he remain on the sidelines. Conversely, a win for Buckley would not only cement his status as a top contender but also position him favorably for a future title fight. Thus, not only does this encounter promise fireworks in terms of fight dynamics, but it also holds significant ramifications for the welterweight rankings.
UFC Fight Night on December 14 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the welterweight division, with Garry and Buckley both vying to make their case for future championship glory. As the fighters step into the octagon, the outcome will reverberate throughout the UFC, potentially altering the trajectory of their careers and the championship landscape in one fell swoop.