Thu Jun 12 06:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Buckley Ready to Headline UFC on ESPN 69, Acknowledges Title Shot Delay Amid Superfight Buzz**

ATLANTA – Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley is set to headline UFC on ESPN 69 this Saturday against Kamaru Usman, but despite a stellar 2024 campaign, he acknowledges a potential delay in his pursuit of a welterweight title shot. The delay stems from the rumored superfight between current champion Jack Della Maddalena and lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev.

“In my personal opinion, this win is going to catapult me to be in a position of that No. 1 contender spot,” Buckley told reporters Wednesday. However, he understands the UFC’s business motivations, adding, “Islam has done a lot in the lightweight division. He has a massive name. It only makes sense for the UFC to give him that opportunity to fight for the belt.”

Buckley, who boasts impressive victories this year over Vicente Luque, Nursulton Ruziboev, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington, believes Makhachev would likely retire after securing the welterweight title. “I truly believe if Islam was able to win that 170 title, he done everything he needed to do… I think he’s really trying to cement his name. It’s really just kind of a legacy pass. Then once he wins that welterweight belt, my man is going to retire at the end of the day. That’s my opinion.”

Regarding his opponent, the former Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. Buckley insists he sees Usman as dangerous, discounting his recent three-fight losing streak as mere “setbacks.” “To be honest with you, I don’t think there’s no difference from the Kamaru of old and the Kamaru of now. I think it’s the same fighter, which I believe is still dangerous and a person who can still give a lot of guys a lot of problems at the welterweight division.”

Buckley’s high-profile fight against Usman follows a year of successful callouts, which he attributes to fan demand. He stated, “Really, the reason why these callouts have been successful is the fans. Every time I call out these fighters, the fans want to see it. The UFC has actually been listening to the fans and making sure these fights happen.”

The fight at UFC on ESPN 69 will be Usman’s first fight in nearly two years and is a crucial test for Buckley as he navigates the complexities of the UFC’s welterweight division.

Read More