Joaquin Buckley on Snubbing Leon Edwards: “Beating Him Wouldn’t Mean S*** — He’s Washed”

A Bold Statement That Turned Heads

Not every day in the fight game do you hear a surging UFC contender publicly brush off a potential matchup with a former champion. But Joaquin Buckley isn’t your run-of-the-mill welterweight. In a candid—and honestly, pretty brutal—interview, Buckley dropped a reality check that caught fans and fighters off guard. His take on former welterweight champion Leon Edwards? He’s past his prime and not worth the trouble. “Beating him wouldn’t mean s***. He’s washed,” Buckley said bluntly, flaming the flames of debate within the MMA community. So what brought this on? Let’s break it down.

Where Buckley Stands in the UFC

First, it’s worth understanding who Joaquin Buckley is and where he fits into all of this. Buckley has been gaining serious momentum in the welterweight division. After a string of impressive performances—coupled with finishes that have gone viral time and again—he’s been building a solid fanbase. The guy is explosive, charismatic, and clearly not afraid to speak his mind. That combination has made him both a rising star and a polarizing figure. With a few highlight-reel knockouts and a growing win streak, Buckley is undeniably climbing. Naturally, fans wanted to know who could be next on his radar. A former champ like Leon Edwards seemed like a logical step. But Buckley sees it differently.

Why Buckley Turned Down the Fight

On paper, a bout with Leon “Rocky” Edwards makes sense. Edwards held the welterweight title not long ago and is still sitting among the top-ranked fighters in the division. Facing him could’ve been seen as a shortcut to title contention. But for Buckley, it’s not just about rankings or records—it’s about relevance. “At this point, beating Leon Edwards doesn’t move the needle the way it might’ve before,” he explained, making it pretty clear he doesn’t view Edwards as the threat he once was. Now, let’s be honest: calling someone “washed” isn’t exactly respectful, especially in a sport where fighters risk it all every time they enter the Octagon. But this is also modern MMA. Trash talk isn’t just part of the game—it’s often a ticket to bigger fights and better paychecks. In Buckley’s eyes, he's gunning for opponents who are not just ranked high, but also bringing buzz. And in his view, Edwards simply isn’t that guy anymore.

Is Leon Edwards Really ‘Washed’?

Here’s where opinions split. Leon Edwards was UFC champion not that long ago, famously dethroning Kamaru Usman with a stunning head-kick KO that had fans jumping out of their seats. But since then? Some would argue his performances haven’t matched that same energy. Critics started whispering after a pair of strategic—some would say cautious—performances. While technically sound, those fights didn’t exactly light up highlight reels. That’s where fighters like Buckley, who thrive on action and intensity, see a difference. But let’s give credit where it’s due: Edwards is still a high-level competitor with an elite skill set. His calculated style may not excite everyone, but it wins fights. So while Buckley may see him as “washed," others view him as a dangerous and experienced opponent still very much in the mix.

The Bigger Picture: What Does Buckley Want?

It’s clear Buckley isn’t just chasing clout. He’s making deliberate choices about who he fights and why. Like many rising fighters, he understands the delicate dance between risk and reward. A win over a "cooling off" Leon Edwards might not catapult him the way a victory over a more current, streaking contender would. So, what’s he really after? Simple:

Big names that bring excitement

Fights that elevate his profile

Opponents that push him ahead—fast

A seasoned, strategic fighter like Edwards doesn’t check all of Buckley's boxes.

Audience Reaction: Applause or Eye-Roll?

As you’d expect, fans had a lot to say. Some praised Buckley for speaking his mind—no filters, no fluff. Others felt he was out of line, arguing that Edwards deserves more respect as a former champ. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a fighter take a hard pass on what seems like a golden opportunity. But Buckley’s comments stirred things up precisely because they were so upfront. The MMA world thrives on raw emotion, unpredictability, and personality. Buckley brings all three in spades. Whether you agree with his assessment or not, he’s got people talking. And that, in today’s fight promotion world, is often half the battle.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Buckley?

By shutting the door on a Leon Edwards fight, Buckley is clearly setting his sights elsewhere. The welterweight division is stacked, offering plenty of alternatives. Potential opponents could include:

Up-and-coming contenders eager to prove themselves

Veterans still bringing fireworks

Fighters on hot streaks who align with Buckley's goals

Above all, Buckley needs dance partners who match his drive, energy, and style—fighters who, win or lose, give fans a reason to tune in.

Final Thoughts: A Fighter on His Own Terms

Joaquin Buckley isn’t here to play by anyone else’s script. He sees himself on a specific path and isn’t afraid to make bold moves—even if that means walking away from high-profile matchups. His decision to turn down Leon Edwards may seem like a missed chance on the surface. But to Buckley, it’s a calculated move—one that keeps him aligned with his goals in and out of the Octagon. And love him or hate him, you can't deny one thing: Buckley gets people talking. So, what do you think? Is Buckley making a smart move, or is he selling himself short by passing on a former champ? Let us know your take in the comments—because this conversation is far from over.