Stephen Thompson and Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Dylan Napoleone/Cageside Press
Former welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson faced Joaquin Buckley in a high-profile preliminary card fight at UFC 307, a shocking fan’s dream.
“Wonder Boy” has become known as the most prominent karate-based fighter in the UFC since Lyoto Machida, but Buckley rose to fame thanks to his knockout of the year against Impa Kasanganay in 2020. I made a profit. The two-touch spinback will remain a highlight of your reels for years to come.
Like most battles involving “Wonder Boy”, the fight started slowly and cautiously. However, Buckley quickly trapped Thompson in the cage and was able to lift his opponent with a double leg. Joaquin landed a hard slam, but after a few seconds, Wonderboy stood up and turned his back to the cage. The two clinch for a moment before separating into space again. A few seconds later, Wonder Boy electrifies Buckley, causing him to slip. Moments later, Thompson landed a head kick that was partially blocked.
Midway through the round, Wonderboy landed another right hand that knocked Buckley’s head back. Joaquin was able to score a single, but Wonderboy defended it against the cage and back into space. With just under two minutes left in the round, Buckley briefly managed to get Thompson to the ground again. The same story played out when Thompson stepped into the cage, clinched, and then returned to space. With 30 seconds left in the round, Stephen landed another thud head kick that was partially blocked. Buckley’s panicked shot flashed out again. Towards the end of the round, Thompson deftly defended a strong takedown attempt.
As the second round began, Thompson quickly returned and began targeting Buckley with light, fast shots. Joaquin was able to land right after the start and caught Thompson’s attention. Buckley continued to increase the pressure and attempted another takedown, but Wonderboy quickly got back to his feet. After some sluggish footwork, Buckley put together some good combinations. And Joaquin was able to find a way to bring Wonder Boy to the ground. But it was only a matter of seconds before Stephen stood up again. With 52 seconds left in the round, the fight was paused as Buckley appeared to take a glancing shot from above the cup. When the match resumed, Buckley was seriously trying to find a way to close the gap, looking a little frustrated as he unleashed some wild jumping attacks.
Towards the start of the final round, Buckley continued to apply pressure, eventually finding his elusive opponent’s chin with several looping hooks. The two fighters continued their battle in space. Stephen continued to play the role of matador against an aggressive and seemingly desperate opponent. Another partial head kick lands on Wonder Boy, and Joaquin flips the switch and charges in. Buckley blitzed Stephen, bobbing and weaving, changing levels and throwing wild hooks. Thompson dodged and retreated until he retreated into the cage, but was clipped, dropped, and swarmed courtesy of one of the jumping hooks Buckley was throwing throughout the match.
Rising welterweight Joaquin Buckley has a big finish and a feather in his cap. Joaquin took time in his post-fight speech to name-drop former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Official result: Joaquin Buckley def. Stephen Thompson KO (punch), round 3, 2:17
