Joaquin Buckley has built a reputation in the UFC for his explosive striking and viral knockouts, but his journey into MMA is deeply tied to his early years in Missouri. Buckley’s background is defined by a steady climb through adversity and personal discipline, despite all his highlight-reel moments inside The Octagon.
Born and raised in the United States, Buckley’s family life and cultural roots give additional depth to his story. His meteoric rise through the sport was shaped in the local gyms in St. Louis where he first began wrestling in high school. Over time, that foundation led him toward a full-time MMA career, fueled by persistence more than pedigree.
What Is Joaquin Buckley’s Nationality? Where Does He Come From?
The “New Mansa” was born on April 27, 1994. He grew up in St. Louis and started wrestling at Marquette High School, eventually gravitating over to mixed martial arts. He’s a Black man in America, a detail that is often discussed alongside his last name.
Historical records link the “Buckley” surname primarily to the U.S., England, and Ireland. Like many African American families, Buckley’s lineage includes names that reflect a broader historical context. Despite speculation about his ancestral roots, Buckley hasn’t made ethnicity a focal point of his public identity, choosing instead to let his performances and work ethic define his career.
His upbringing was shaped by a matriarchal household. Buckley was raised by his mother and grandmother as he has credited both women for instilling discipline in him early on. In 2015, he reflected that his mother was quite often strict with him during his younger years, and that he had to be on top of his academics. He also had a curfew time before the sun set. This environment, while demanding, provided him with the consistency needed to stay focused on long-term goals.
However, his mom died from a severe heart condition when he was 11 years old. He was forced to grow up in a hurry. “When I lost my mom, I didn’t know how to process it. I really felt like I lost something that was a part of me,” Buckley said, via Essentially Sports.
Over time, Buckley channeled that discipline into his training. His early sessions at local MMA gyms evolved into competitive fights on the regional circuit, eventually leading to his UFC debut in 2020. Since then, he has steadily added to his resume with signature finishes and continued development in all areas of his game.
For now, he is gearing up for his upcoming bout against Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman at UFC Fight Night on Sunday, June 15. Who do you think will come out on top after the fight? Sound off in the comments.