UFC welterweight contenders Joaquin Buckley and Ian Machado Garry might be on differing paths within the division currently, but a future clash inside the octagon appears increasingly possible, especially following a recent heated exchange.
Tensions flared between the two this week during the ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC Kansas City. An apparent confrontation occurred on stage, and while details of the words exchanged are sparse, it was clear neither fighter was pleased.
Speaking to media on Saturday, Buckley addressed the incident directly. He explained Garry`s lack of understanding by stating, “The reason why he doesn’t understand me is because I don’t speak ‘Cuck-anese.’” Buckley elaborated that while he could initially grasp why Garry didn`t comprehend, he felt Garry, who has previously commented on him, should have engaged him directly when they met face-to-face. Buckley also commented on Garry`s partner being “very protective,” noting she was “using the baby like a shield,” though he expressed his genuine desire to see how Garry would behave towards him in person, observing that Garry remained “real quiet.”
Buckley`s specific “Cuck-anese” phrase is a pointed reference to the significant public scrutiny Ian Machado Garry frequently encounters regarding his personal life and his relationship with his wife, Layla, who has been outspoken in defending their marriage against online criticism.
Despite the personal friction, Buckley`s immediate focus is on professional bouts rather than unofficial altercations. He is set for a major opportunity, headlining UFC Atlanta on June 14 against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Recounting the weigh-in moment, Buckley described it as “Nothing happened,” but added that Garry`s partner “was touching on my arm and stuff like that.” He suggested security should be more attentive in such situations, emphasizing that his preference is to promote and have a conversation, but if a physical confrontation were to happen, it should be in a paid fight setting.
Ian Machado Garry competed later that evening in the main event of UFC Kansas City, earning a five-round decision win against Carlos Prates. When questioned about Buckley`s remarks at the post-fight press conference, Garry`s response was brief and dismissive. He labeled Buckley “an absolute p*ssy,” declared he didn`t care about anything Buckley said, and maintained he “didn’t f*cking see him” at the weigh-ins.
Notable Upcoming Fights
- Welterweight: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley; UFC Atlanta, June 14
- Lightweight: Rafael Fiziev vs. Ignacio Bahamondes; UFC Baku, June 21
- Bantamweight Title: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier; UFC 318, July 19
Post-Fight Analysis Note
Following the UFC Kansas City main event, while neither Garry nor Prates necessarily saw their standing significantly diminished, there was considerable discussion regarding Garry`s inability to secure a finish and whether Prates potentially missed an opportunity to press for one. The scoring of the bout also generated debate, with some questioning if Prates` performance in the fifth round warranted only a standard 10-9 score compared to Garry`s winning rounds.
