Undefeated Shakur Stevenson Handed Reality Check on Boxing vs MMA by UFC Star Joaquin Buckley

UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley calls out Shakur Stevenson's recent undermining comments on Boxing vs MMA.

Undefeated Shakur Stevenson Handed Reality Check on Boxing vs MMA by UFC Star Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin Buckley goes off on Shakur Stevenson (via Bleacher Report, MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Shakur Stevenson downplayed MMA fighters, claiming boxing is superior.
  • Joaquin Buckley challenged Stevenson, asserting MMA fighters are more entertaining.
  • Stevenson emphasized the skill gap between boxing and MMA, warning against crossover assumptions.

The debate over MMA fighters versus professional boxers has raged for years, often pitting skill, strategy, and athleticism against one another. This resurfaced when four‑division champion Shakur Stevenson downplayed MMA athletes. However, UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley directly challenged Stevenson, rejecting the notion that MMA fighters are inferior and drawing attention to the discussion of the two sports.

Buckley has built a notable UFC career, securing victories over fighters including Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington. He is recognized for his dynamic fighting style, aggressive in-cage approach, and ability to finish bouts decisively. Outside the Octagon, Buckley is known for his trash-talking and active social media presence, which frequently puts him at odds with fellow fighters and personalities.

Stevenson made his remarks during a livestream on Adin Ross’s channel, where he claimed the UFC would never surpass boxing and questioned the skill level of MMA fighters. He also challenged UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria to a boxing match, highlighting what he saw as a gap between the sports. Buckley later responded on social media, rejecting Stevenson’s assessment in a rage-filled rant.

Y’all boxers are so disrespectful to us athletes in the UFC. Shakur, I’m on you. You a h*e… You don’t want to go out there and put on your best performance… Stop disrespecting us, bro. We are way more entertaining than y’all… When we watch you guys fight, it’s predictable as to who’s going to win… If we came outside, I could kill you.

Joaquin Buckley via Instagram

This was not the first time Stevenson had called out Ilia Topuria. He previously dismissed Topuria’s expressed desire to fight and knock out multi-division boxing legend Terence Crawford, questioning the seriousness of the claim. Stevenson characterized the UFC lightweight champion’s statements as delusional, reinforcing his view of a gap between MMA fighters and professional boxers.

Stevenson warned MMA fighters against assuming they could succeed in boxing, specifically referencing UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley’s interest in crossover bouts in the past. He emphasized that boxing’s skill standards differ from MMA’s and that MMA fighters would face significant challenges in the ring. This stance reflects his consistent view on the difficulty of transitioning from MMA to professional boxing.

Crossover bouts like Tyson Fury versus Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul versus retired MMA fighters demonstrate how difficult it is to switch disciplines. Success in one sport does not guarantee results in the other, given the different techniques and conditioning required. Joaquin Buckley’s challenge to Shakur Stevenson adds weight to the debate, keeping attention on MMA versus boxing matchups.

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Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, a three‑division boxing champion, has recently faced legal troubles. In early 2026, a Miami Gardens warrant was issued for alleged battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping from an October 2025 incident, prompting the WBA to designate him “champion in recess.” Davis was taken into custody before being released on bond, affecting his boxing schedule.

Shakur Stevenson
Shakur Stevenson (via Boxing Scene)

Shakur Stevenson had expressed interest in fighting Gervonta Davis early in his career, seeing it as a defining lightweight matchup. Davis publicly dismissed Stevenson’s performances on social media and in interviews, downplaying his achievements. Stevenson recently addressed Davis’s legal troubles during a livestream on Adin Ross’s channel, reaffirming his view of Tank’s standing in the sport.

I don’t speak on that dude. He’s just a weirdo. Who that?

Shakur Stevenson via Kick

Shakur Stevenson’s career continues to advance, highlighted by his recent victory over Teofimo Lopez, which added the WBO super lightweight title to his resume. He has held multiple world titles across four weight divisions, cementing his status as one of boxing’s elite. This success contrasts with Davis’ recent legal troubles and fight cancellations, underscoring the diverging paths of the two top competitors.

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