UFC President Dana White addresses the viral video showing welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley refusing a handshake.
UFC President Dana White recently addressed a viral video featuring welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley refusing to shake his hand during weigh-ins. The incident took place ahead of a high-profile fight card, catching the attention of MMA fans across social media platforms globally.
During the event buildup, Buckley snubbed the executive's handshake and later refused to answer questions in his pre-fight interview. Despite the tense moments, White brushed off the perceived disrespect, according to information published by bleache.
The situation escalated quickly over the weekend when Buckley faced Mike Malott inside the Octagon. The bout ended in a dramatic second-round knockout defeat for Buckley, altering the immediate trajectory of his career in the promotion.
Dana White Reacts to Joaquin Buckley Handshake Snub
The viral moment occurred in Edmonton, Alberta, as fighters stepped on the scale for official weigh-ins. While many athletes engage in standard promotional pleasantries, Buckley chose a different path by ignoring Dana White completely.
When questioned about the incident after the weigh-ins, Dana White explained that he did not take the snub personally. He noted that he has spent decades in the fight business and understands how different athletes manage pre-fight pressure.
UFC Edmonton Knockout Loss for Welterweight Contender
Following the weigh-in controversy, Joaquin Buckley stepped into the cage to face Mike Malott at UFC Fight Night in Edmonton, Alberta. The stakes were high for the welterweight division, but the night did not go according to plan for Buckley.
Mike Malott secured a decisive victory by knocking out Buckley in the second round. The finish abruptly halted Buckley's momentum and changed the narrative surrounding his contentious behavior during fight week.
Joking About Cutting Fighter From Roster
Following the event, Dana White joked that Buckley's performance almost cost him his job with the organization. Speaking about the aftermath of the fight, the UFC executive humorously referenced a conversation with Hunter Campbell.
As soon as Buckley lost, White joked that he told Hunter to cut him from the roster before clarifying with a laugh that he was only kidding. White emphasized that he prefers to stay out of the way and let fighters deal with fight week their own way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Dana White fire Joaquin Buckley after the viral video?
No, Dana White did not fire Joaquin Buckley. While White joked that he told Hunter Campbell to cut Buckley immediately after his loss to Mike Malott, he quickly clarified that he was only kidding.
Who defeated Joaquin Buckley at UFC Edmonton?
Welterweight fighter Mike Malott defeated Joaquin Buckley by a second-round knockout at UFC Fight Night in Edmonton, Alberta.
Why did Joaquin Buckley refuse to shake Dana White's hand?
Joaquin Buckley refused to shake Dana White's hand during weigh-ins while handling pre-fight pressure in his own way, though White stated he does not take such actions personally.
