Joaquin Buckley punches Impa Kasanganay in their middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on October 11, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Joaquin Buckley might have performed the knockout of the year against Impa Kasanganay at UFC Fight Island
Joaquin Buckley got the entire MMA world talking about his knockout on Impa Kasanganay at UFC Fight Island.
The 26-year-old Buckley came into his Fight Island 5 clash against Kasanganay as the underdog but left it as a champion.
Buckley was 10-3 coming into the fight while Kasanganay had an undefeated MMA record of 8-0. Kasanganay also looked to be in the shape of his life as he was keen on getting another win under his belt.
However, Buckley had other plans as the pair clashed in the second round. Kasanganay was able to grab a foot of Buckley as he went for a kick.
However, Buckley then landed an incredible spinning back kick flush on Kasanganay’s face. The then-undefeated star was already out cold and fell down in slow motion.
Many AEW and WWE stars watch the UFC card and they were just as shocked as the rest of the world.
While the commentators couldn’t believe what had gone on, the wrestlers too were left impressed by Buckley.
Cash Wheeler, Eddie Kingston, Taynara Conti, Angelo Dawkins and Renee Young were some of the stars that reacted to this rather brilliant knockout.
Kasanganay seemed to be feeling the effects of the hit even after he was given a stool to sit on. MMA fights are brutal affairs and one second can change the complexion of the fight.
Buckley certainly was the main talking point of UFC Fight Island 5 and the 26-year-old improved his MMA record to 11-3.
He last fought against Kevin Holland and lost that clash, but this knockout also saw him win the Fight of the Night award.
Buckley should win a few more knockout awards come the end of the year, and it will be difficult to find another impressive knockout as this one from 2020.
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