UFC welterweight contenders Joaquin Buckley and Ian Machado Garry are currently on different trajectories in the division, yet a future clash inside the Octagon remains a distinct possibility.
Tension flared between the two fighters this week, stemming from an apparent confrontation during the UFC Kansas City ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday. Garry was positioned on stage while Buckley was among the attendees, and although the specifics of their exchange are unclear, neither fighter appeared happy to see the other.
Buckley later addressed the incident during a media scrum on Saturday.
When questioned about the interaction, Buckley stated, “`The reason he doesn’t understand me is that I don’t speak ‘Cuck-anese.’` He elaborated, saying, `When you speak that way [about me], don’t act as if I’m invisible when you see me. You talk my name? Come speak to me. I wanted to see what Ian Garry was really about and what he’d say face-to-face, but he was very quiet.`”
Buckley`s specific remark appears to be a pointed reference to the ongoing public discussion and scrutiny surrounding Garry`s personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Layla, who has frequently spoken out in defense against negative comments about their marriage.
Despite any personal animosity towards Garry, Buckley emphasized he is not looking for an unsanctioned physical altercation and would prefer any confrontation to be official and paid. His immediate focus is currently elsewhere, as he was recently announced to headline UFC Atlanta on June 14 against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Describing the weigh-in encounter further, Buckley claimed, “`Nothing significant occurred.` He added, `His girl was touching my arm… security needs to ensure fighters don’t react poorly. I just wanted to engage in promotion and dialogue; if there’s a real issue, we should get paid to settle it.`”
Ian Machado Garry competed later that night in the UFC Kansas City main event, securing a five-round decision victory over Carlos Prates. When asked about Buckley`s remarks during the post-fight press conference, Garry offered a brief and dismissive response.
Garry`s reply was blunt: “`That man is an absolute pussy. I don’t care what he says. Let him be; let’s move on.`”
He later reiterated his stance, claiming, “`There was no incident with Joaquin at the weigh-ins. I didn`t fucking see him.`”
Regarding Garry`s fight itself against Carlos Prates, there seems to be some debate regarding Garry`s inability to secure a finish despite winning the decision, and whether Prates could have done more in the later rounds. Additionally, the scoring, particularly the 10-9 score awarded to Prates in the final round compared to Garry`s winning rounds, has been questioned by some observers.
How did you score the fight?
