Dana White gets Black History Month request from Joaquin Buckley ahead of ambitious 2025

UFC welterweight prospect Joaquin Buckley does not want any African American fighters to compete against each other in February.


Dana White gets Black History Month request from Joaquin Buckley ahead of ambitious 2025

Joaquin Buckley made a request to Dana White and other UFC executives (Image via Imago/iSTOCK)

Black History Month is celebrated from February 1st to March 1st and holds significance in numerous notable countries around the globe. As of now, Black History Month of 2025 has started. Consequently, UFC welterweight fighter Joaquin Buckley has taken the opportunity to make a heartfelt request to UFC CEO Dana White.

This month-long observance honors the rich history and contributions of the African diaspora, with a particular focus on African American heritage. The UFC roster includes several fighters from the African American heritage, such as Joaquin Buckley. As a result, ‘New Mansa’ took to his social media to send a message to Dana White and the other UFC executives.

UFC for this month please do not book any of the black fighters against one another we need unity and peace. This is not a month black people should be fighting each other instead we should be celebrating one another and be uplifting. But next month I am beating a ni*ga a**.

Joaquin Buckley via X (@Newmansa94)
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Throughout the years, the UFC community has made significant efforts to celebrate Black History Month. As such, they have engaged in a variety of activities that honor the contributions and achievements of Black athletes. One of the ways they demonstrate this commitment is by curating exclusive content that spans their digital platforms and social media outlets.

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However, in a striking stance, Buckley has expressed a desire for his fellow Black fighters to refrain from competing against each other during this significant month. As such, with that, he wants to emphasize unity and solidarity among his peers. However, after the end of Black History Month, Buckley has seemingly clarified his intentions to beat up a formidable challenger in the division.

Chael Sonnen believes Joaquin Buckley is close to a championship fight

Joaquin Buckley is currently riding a wave of confidence due to his impressive performances in the UFC. Since moving to the welterweight division, ‘New Mansa’ has established himself as an unstoppable force within the promotion. Most recently, he delivered a brutal defeat to former welterweight title challenger Colby Covington. Following that victory over Covington, Buckley received a barrage of praise from many.

Joaquin Buckley's last fight outing
Joaquin Buckley’s last fight outing (Image via MMA Fighting)

The spectators at the UFC Tampa fight between Buckley and Covington witnessed the emergence of ‘New Mansa’ as a title contender. Notably, Buckley expressed his ambition to capture the title by 2025. Recognizing Buckley’s confidence, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen shared his insights on the situation. As such, he has expressed confidence that New Mansa’s aspirations would be realized soon.

I could not put a ceiling on that version—that version of Joaquin Buckley doesn’t have a ceiling. That means he could go with Belal Muhammad. It means he could go with Rakhmonov. It means he could go with Leon, and I think he’s going to be given that opportunity.

Chael Sonnen via ESPN MMA
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Currently, Buckley has an opportunity for a fight against former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Interestingly, it was Buckley who initially called Usman out. In response, Usman acknowledged Buckley’s challenge and issued a strong statement in return. It remains to be seen who the UFC will consider as the most suitable matchup for Buckley.

Related: 2024 Breakout Fighter of the Year? Who’s the UFC contender that much close to gold for 2025?