Joaquin Buckley Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley is a formidable American professional mixed martial artist who has rapidly ascended the ranks in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Competing in the welterweight division, Buckley is renowned for his explosive power, aggressive fighting style, and a highlight reel of spectacular knockouts. He first captured global attention with his viral spinning back kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay in 2020, a finish that is widely regarded as one of the greatest in UFC history and earned him “Knockout of the Year” honors. A professional since 2014, Buckley has also competed in other notable promotions such as Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). His journey is marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making the Joaquin Buckley biography a compelling story of overcoming adversity to achieve success at the highest level of combat sports.

Joaquin Buckley Overview

Early Life and Education of Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin Buckley was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he faced significant adversity from a young age. His upbringing was largely shaped by a matriarchal household, as his father was absent from his life. Buckley and his mother lived with his grandmother for much of his youth. Tragically, his mother passed away from a heart condition when he was in the sixth grade, a profound loss that forced him to mature quickly. His grandmother then became his primary caregiver, instilling in him the discipline and resilience that would later define his athletic career. Buckley attended Marquette High School, where he first channeled his energy into wrestling. This early experience in combat sports laid the groundwork for his future in mixed martial arts. After graduating, he did not pursue higher education, instead entering the workforce to support himself, even working overnight shifts at a Walgreens while beginning his professional fighting career.

Joaquin Buckley’s Career

Joaquin Buckley began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2014, fighting for regional promotions like Shamrock FC. He quickly built a reputation for his powerful striking, amassing a record of 10-2 with stints in prominent organizations like Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) before getting his big break.

In August 2020, Buckley made his UFC debut on short notice against Kevin Holland, losing the fight via TKO. However, his second UFC fight would catapult him to international stardom. On October 10, 2020, he faced Impa Kasanganay and delivered a jumping spinning back kick knockout that went viral and is considered one of the most spectacular finishes in MMA history. This victory earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from various media outlets and the World MMA Awards.

Following this iconic win, Buckley continued to be an active and exciting fighter in the middleweight division. He secured another “Performance of the Night” bonus with a knockout victory over Jordan Wright at UFC 255. His career has been a series of thrilling wins and tough losses. He holds notable TKO victories over Albert Duraev and André Fialho, earning performance bonuses for both. After a pair of losses in late 2022, Buckley made the strategic decision to move down to the welterweight division in 2023.

The move to 170 pounds proved to be a career resurgence. Buckley embarked on an impressive winning streak, securing victories over André Fialho, Alex Morono, and top contender Vicente Luque. His momentum continued to build in 2024 with a unanimous decision win against Nursulton Ruziboev and a stunning third-round knockout of veteran Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson at UFC 307, which earned him another “Performance of the Night” award. This streak positioned him as a serious contender in the welterweight division, leading to high-profile matchups against former interim champion Colby Covington and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

Joaquin Buckley Personal Life & Family

Despite his aggressive persona inside the octagon, Joaquin Buckley is a devoted family man. He is not married but has been in a long-term relationship with his partner, Sarah Reger, since 2010. The couple has two children together: a son named Isaiah and a daughter born in April 2024. Buckley is known for keeping his personal life relatively private but has shared heartfelt messages about his family on social media, expressing that they are his primary motivation. He has spoken about the importance of balancing his demanding training camps with creating lasting memories with his children, ensuring they know his sacrifices are for their future. Buckley’s journey has been deeply impacted by the loss of his mother at a young age and the unwavering support of his grandmother, who raised him. He is a Christian and often showcases his intense training regimen on his social media platforms. The Joaquin Buckley wiki and biography often highlight his resilience, which is rooted in his challenging upbringing and strong family bonds. Many fans are often curious about Joaquin Buckley’s gf/bf, and his long-standing relationship with Sarah Reger is a testament to his stability outside the cage.

Awards and Achievements of Joaquin Buckley

• Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
• Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Kamaru Usman
• Performance of the Night (Five times) vs. Impa Kasanganay, Jordan Wright, Antônio Arroyo, Albert Duraev, Stephen Thompson
• UFC Honors 2020 Knockout of the Year vs. Impa Kasanganay
• World MMA Awards
• 2021 Knockout of the Year vs. Impa Kasanganay
• MMAjunkie.com
• 2020 October Knockout of the Month vs. Impa Kasanganay
• 2020 Knockout of the Year vs. Impa Kasanganay
• Other Media Awards
• Bleacher Report, MMA Fighting, MMA Mania, and numerous other outlets awarded him 2020 Knockout of the Year for his victory over Impa Kasanganay.

Joaquin Buckley Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Joaquin Buckley’s net worth is estimated to be between $2.5 million and $5 million. His primary sources of income are his fight purses from the UFC, which include his base salary, win bonuses, and performance bonuses. Buckley has earned multiple “Performance of the Night” bonuses, each adding a significant amount to his earnings. For instance, his TKO victory over Andre Fialho in May 2023 reportedly earned him a total payout of $260,000, which included a base salary, a win bonus, and sponsorships. His purses have steadily increased with his rising profile; his win over Colby Covington reportedly earned him around $500,000. In addition to his fight earnings, Joaquin Buckley’s net worth is supplemented by endorsement deals with brands like PureFuel and ReAthlete, and he also promotes himself through his own website.

Legacy and Influence

Joaquin Buckley’s legacy in mixed martial arts is already firmly cemented through one of the most replayed moments in UFC history: his incredible spinning back kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay. This singular moment of athletic brilliance transcended the sport, earning him global recognition and a permanent place in highlight reels. Beyond that viral finish, Buckley’s influence stems from his explosive, fan-friendly fighting style and his powerful story of overcoming personal tragedy. He represents a new generation of fighters who are not just skilled martial artists but also savvy at building their brand. His “New Mansa” nickname, meaning “king,” reflects his ambition and confidence. Buckley’s career trajectory, particularly his successful transition to the welterweight division, showcases his adaptability and determination to compete at the highest level. He continues to be a must-watch fighter, known for his knockout power and the constant threat of a spectacular finish.

Interesting Facts about Joaquin Buckley

• Before becoming a full-time fighter, he worked overnight shifts at a Walgreens pharmacy to make ends meet, even after starting his professional MMA career.
• His nickname, “New Mansa,” is a reference to the Mansa, or emperor, of the ancient Mali Empire, signifying his kingly ambitions in the sport.
• He started his combat sports journey with wrestling at Marquette High School in Missouri.
• Buckley’s 2020 knockout of Impa Kasanganay was so widely acclaimed that it won “Knockout of the Year” from nearly every major MMA media outlet.
• Despite being known as a striker, he has a solid wrestling background that he continues to develop in his training.
• He is a dedicated family man, with his partner Sarah Reger and two children being his main motivation for fighting.

Controversies

Joaquin Buckley’s career has been largely focused on his in-cage performances, and he has not been involved in major public controversies. There was a brief, non-physical interaction noted at a weigh-in event involving fighter Ian Garry and his wife, but it did not escalate into a significant issue.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram (@newmansa94) – Over 350,000 followers
• Twitter (X) – Information not publicly available
• YouTube – Information not publicly available

Final Words about Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin Buckley has carved out a unique and exciting space for himself in the highly competitive world of the UFC. His journey, marked by early life hardships and a relentless drive to succeed, serves as an inspiration. With a reputation as one of the most explosive and dangerous strikers in the welterweight division, every Buckley fight is an event. His viral knockout is a permanent part of MMA lore, but his continued success and evolution as a fighter prove he is far more than a one-hit wonder. As he continues to face top-tier competition, “New Mansa” remains focused on his ultimate goal: capturing a UFC championship. His blend of raw power, growing skill set, and compelling backstory ensures that the Joaquin Buckley biography will continue to be written with thrilling new chapters inside the octagon.