Joaquin Buckley has unraveled a rather intriguing proposal for the UFC as he heads into his headlining match at UFC Edmonton.

Joaquin Buckley has opened up about his desire to compete in striking matches outside the UFC MMA organization whilst still being under a UFC contract. 

Joaquin Buckley is interested in competing in combat contests outside MMA

During a recent conversation with Full Send MMA, Joaquin Buckley asserted that he’d like to compete in combat sports matches outside the sport of MMA. He stated, “I would love the opportunity to do other things outside of MMA.” 

It’s noteworthy that the consensus world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, the UFC, generally prohibits athletes who are under active UFC contracts from competing in any other combat sports organizations that involve striking-related combat. 

Nevertheless, it usually permits its athletes to partake in grappling contests. A notable recent example is Buckley facing former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in a freestyle wrestling match at RAF 12 in August, a match that ended with him suffering a points defeat against Woodley. 

Joaquin Buckley eyes Dirty Boxing, Karate Combat, and the UFC-linked Zuffa Boxing

Speaking to Full Send MMA, Joaquin Buckley indicated that he got the opportunity to try his hand at rap music. He even jestingly recalled that his RAF opponent Tyron Woodley, who’s extensively featured as a rapper and actor, might release another album after having beaten him in their RAF wrestling match. 

“New Mansa” further suggested that wrestling and grappling aren’t exactly his strong suit, which is why he’s grateful to have had the opportunity to test himself in the RAF and work on his “weaknesses” and earn a lucrative payday while doing it. 

The fearsome knockout artist named three major striking-focused combat sports organizations where he’d like to compete despite being contracted to the UFC.

First was Dirty Boxing, a hybrid boxing organization founded by ex-UFC star and longtime BKFC icon Mike Perry. Secondly, he named Karate Combat, a full-contact Karate contest organization that has featured several UFC veterans such as Sam Alvey, Uriah Hall, etc. Thirdly, he named Zuffa Boxing, founded by UFC CEO and president Dana White and closely associated with the UFC. 

Buckley explained, “But imagine if I’m able to work on my strengths and get paid for it? And I truly believe, like, you know, places like Dirty Boxing, Karate Combat, you know what I mean? Or doing something like Zuffa Boxing would be a really great opportunity for an individual like me.” 

Buckley seemingly opined that it’d help boost his brand value, which, in turn, would be beneficial to himself and the UFC as well. He emphasized that he’d be a UFC fighter, committed to the organization, but would love to compete in striking-centric combat sports organizations akin to his recent match in the grappling-centric RAF wrestling organization. 

The American athlete affirmed, “No. So I’ll still be a UFC fighter; just like I went to RAF. I’m still competing with the UFC.” 

The 32-year-old appeared to highlight that he doesn’t understand why he hasn’t been able to do that yet. 

Presently, Buckley is on a two-fight skid, having dropped a unanimous decision verdict to Kamaru Usman last year and one to Sean Brady this year. Buckley is booked to face Mike Malott in a welterweight showdown, which will headline UFC Edmonton on October 17. 

Watch Joaquin Buckley discuss his ambitions to compete in striking-focused combat sports contests outside the UFC below: 

Joaquin Buckley advocates for the ability to compete in things like Zuffa Boxing, Karate Combat or Dirty Boxing while being under the UFC banner “I’d love to compete outside of MMA. Imagine if I can work on my strengths and get paid for it. Why can I not do it?” https://t.co/jMk9aA4OUI

— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) October 14, 2026