Sports · Combat Sports · 15 hrs ago
Joaquin Buckley adds Alexander Volkov and Max Holloway to UFC dispute
UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley has widened a dispute over a racial slur by calling out Alexander Volkov and Max Holloway.
Buckley had previously criticized Josh Hokit, Dustin Poirier and Sean Strickland over their use of the word, and confronted Strickland in person.
Buckley says he will stop raising the issue if the fighters say the word at an all-Black club without security.
He says Holloway allegedly used it casually, while Volkov made a video saying it with teammates.
Strickland challenged Buckley to say the word at a club, while Volkov questioned why he should go to an all-Black club.
The exchange is part of a growing argument among UFC fighters about who uses the slur and how they respond to it.
The dispute remains ongoing, with no further action described.
Joaquin Buckley has added Alexander Volkov and Max Holloway to a dispute over fighters’ use of the N-word.
Buckley said he would stop raising the issue if the fighters said the word from a DJ booth at an all-Black club.
He named Volkov, Holloway, Josh Hokit, Sean Strickland and Dustin Poirier in an Instagram post.
Buckley’s criticism began with Hokit and Poirier and later included Strickland, whom he confronted in person.
Strickland challenged Buckley’s proposal, while Volkov questioned why he should go to an all-Black club.
- Who
- UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley, and fighters Alexander Volkov, Max Holloway, Josh Hokit, Sean Strickland and Dustin Poirier.
- What
- Buckley added Volkov and Holloway to his criticism of fighters’ use of the N-word and set a challenge involving an all-Black club.
- When
- The article was published on November 9, 2026; the social media post was described as recent.
- Where
- Buckley made the post on social media; Strickland and Volkov responded in comments.
- Why
- Buckley objected to the fighters’ use of the racial slur.
Joaquin Buckley
Sean Strickland and Alexander Volkov
Challenge
Joaquin Buckley
Buckley said he would stop raising the issue if the fighters said the word from a DJ booth at an all-Black club.
Sean Strickland and Alexander Volkov
Strickland bet Buckley would not say the word in a club; Volkov questioned why he should go to an all-Black club.
Buckley called out Volkov and Holloway in a social media post.
Strickland challenged Buckley in a comment.
Volkov questioned why he should go to an all-Black club.
- Buckley’s record
- 21-9
- Newly named fighters
- Alexander Volkov and Max Holloway
- Other fighters named
- Josh Hokit, Sean Strickland and Dustin Poirier
- Publication date
- November 9, 2026
What people are saying
I won’t bring up the race card no more if they’re able to go to an all-black club, get in the DJ booth with no security, and shout out, ‘What’s up my n*gga?’
I bet you won't go to the club and say N
No judgment, with all respect for all nations. But why should I go to an all-black club?