Joaqin Buckley on the 'Wakanda Style' kick

At UFC on ESPN+ 37 on Saturday, Impa Kasanganay blocked a Joaqin “New Mansa” Buckley left high kick with a side shell and then very adroitly scooped the foot from the top. However, as Kasanganay passed the foot across his body, Buckley flowed with the go and launched a jump spinning side kick off the caught kick, landing one of the best, and arguably the best KO in UFC history.

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1315066583962849283

At the post-fight press conference, Buckley talked about it. There was fan speculation that the technique was executed in the moment – jazz not classical. But Buckley said it was the second time he had considered executing it in the fight.

I was conscious of it, because he caught my foot the first time,” said Buckley. “I was just hesitant then, just to throw it. But the second time, I said, ‘Why not?’ When I threw it, I connected. I just didn’t know I knocked him out until I seen his body go stiff.”

A lot of people don’t know anything about fighting, and they only follow the person with the most follows. I’d rather stay under the radar and keep doing what I’m doing. … It’s a fight, man. I try to make a gritty fight every time. It’s always gonna be uncomfortable to me. I always try to go ou there and put on a banger. I told myself regardless – win, lose, or draw – we’re not going to a decision.

Another contender for greatest KO of all time wasn’t even a KO, and wasn’t in the UFC. At WEC 53 on December 16, 2010, Anthony “Showtime” Pettis landed an Ong Bak inspired kick off the fence on Benson Henderson, winning the last ever WEC lightweight championship via Unanimous Decision. Pettis dubbed that one “The Showtime Kick.” And what does Buckley call his kick?

“I call it ‘Wakanda Style,’” he explained.

Buckley had his big show debut at UFC on ESPN+ 32 on August 8, 2020, at the UFC APEX. He lost to Kevin Holland via TKO early in Round 3. His second fight was of course one for the ages. And what does he want next?

I’m trying to get in here ASAP, as soon as possible,” he replied.

Make it happen Dana White.