Sports · Combat Sports · 7 hrs ago
Joaquin Buckley ignores Dana White’s handshake before UFC Edmonton fight
Joaquin Buckley ignored UFC president Dana White’s handshake at ceremonial weigh-ins in Edmonton, Canada, before his main event against Mike Malott.
Buckley kept his eyes on Malott and also stayed silent during a backstage interview.
He has not explained why he refused the handshake, and it is unclear whether the gesture was linked to his frustration with UFC matchmaking.
Buckley says he believes he should have received a title opportunity in 2025 after a six-fight winning streak that included victories over ranked opponents.
The UFC instead gave Jack Della Maddalena a title fight against Belal Muhammad in May 2025.
There is no indication Buckley will be punished for declining the handshake.
The next test is his fight with Malott, the Canadian home favorite, at UFC Edmonton.
Joaquin Buckley ignored UFC president Dana White’s offered handshake during the ceremonial weigh-in face-off before UFC Edmonton.
Buckley kept his eyes on his opponent, Mike Malott, and later remained silent during an interview.
Buckley has not given a definitive explanation for the gesture.
One report linked the incident to Buckley’s frustration over not receiving a UFC welterweight title shot, while another said the reason was unconfirmed.
The sources report no indication that Buckley will be punished for refusing the handshake.
- Who
- Joaquin Buckley ignored Dana White’s handshake during a face-off with Mike Malott.
- What
- Buckley did not return White’s offered handshake and later remained silent in an interview.
- When
- At the ceremonial weigh-in on Friday, October 16, ahead of UFC Edmonton.
- Where
- Edmonton, Canada.
- Why
- Buckley has not given a definitive explanation; any link to his title-shot frustrations is unconfirmed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Buckley stopped Colby Covington in the third round to extend his winning streak to six fights.
Jack Della Maddalena received a title shot against Belal Muhammad, a decision Buckley later questioned.
Dana White reacted dismissively to Buckley’s idea of fighting Terence Crawford.
Buckley ignored White’s offered handshake during the UFC Edmonton ceremonial weigh-in.
- Event
- UFC Edmonton
- Date of ceremonial weigh-in
- October 16, 2026
- Main event
- Joaquin Buckley vs. Mike Malott
- Buckley’s ranking
- No. 8 in the Meta UFC welterweight rankings
- Buckley’s recent record
- Two straight defeats
- Buckley’s 2024 streak
- Six consecutive wins
4 sources
Joaquin Buckley demanded explanation on UFC title shot snub days before ignoring Dana White handshake
Joaquin Buckley esnoba Dana White em pesagem do UFC Edmonton; entenda o motivo e se pode ser punido
UFC star Joaquin Buckley goes viral for SNUBBING Dana White handshake before bizarre pre-fight interview
What people are saying
I would really like to know why I didn’t get the shot over JDM.
Crawford e quem?
The posture of the adversary does not change what happens in the fight.
Posts on X
JOAQUIN BUCKLEY IS LOCKED IN He didn't say a single word during this interview 👀