Joaquin Buckley vs. Nursulton Ruzhiboev at UFC St. Louis Credit: Youtube/UFC
Joaquin Buckley continued to campaign hard to earn a spot in UFC St. Louis, and he did so in the co-main event of the night when he was paired with Nursulton Rujiboev.
In a three-round welterweight bout, local favorite #11 Buckley was well supported by the crowd. He started the match with feints and foot movements, trying to close the distance. When he did, it wasn’t a dazzling blow, but a powerful takedown that Buckley connected with. But Luzhboev managed to escape and continue attacking, staggering Buckley, who then took the next shot, which was very timely.
Ruzhiboev didn’t go down for long, but the action up to that point sparked chants of “Buckley” throughout the arena. From there, the two men exchanged blows from long range, with Buckley landing a few punches, closing the distance, and then throwing a spinning kick that missed.
In the second round, Joaquin Buckley scored another takedown with 30 seconds remaining. The tall, lanky middleweight was quick to his feet, but Buckley’s wrestling was having its intended effect. Ruzhiboev was fighting with takedowns in mind, which seemed to limit his attacks as a result. When Buckley scored another takedown late in the second frame, Rujiboev chased an armbar but fell short.
Joaquin Buckley landed three important blows early in the third round – a right/left combo, and the third punch knocked Rujiboev down! Buckley followed him down, but had to avoid an upkick. Luzhboev recovered, but at that moment he realized that he had fallen again. This time “New Mantha” rose to the top and began dropping ground and pound, continuing to drop elbows and punches. Buckley went to mount and Ruzhiboev survived with just an elbow. Luzhboev managed to get to the top in a scramble, but another scramble led to a reversal and Buckley eventually took control.
As time wore on, the referee stopped the fight when Luzhiboev scored an illegal upkick. Referee Keith Petersen gave Buckley a choice of position and he chose to stand, finishing the round on his feet. Although he couldn’t dislodge Ruzhiboev, Joaquin Buckley’s dominant performance left no doubt as to the winner.
Official result: Joaquin Buckley def. Nursulton Rujiboev unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-27)
