Joaquin Buckley proved once more why welterweight is the correct division for him Saturday with a robust displaying in opposition to the extremely touted Nursulton Ruziboev UFC on ESPN 56.

Buckley (20-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) made it 4 consecutive victories since he dropped to the welterweight division a yr in the past when he outworked Ruziboev (34-9-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) to a unanimous determination in entrance of his residence crowd at Enterprise Heart in St. Louis, and the rising menace of “Newmansa” on this division can’t be ignored any longer.

After placing a beating on perennial contender Vicente Luque simply six weeks in the past, Buckley took a step down in title worth to get his hometown battle. He handled Ruziboev as he ought to’ve ranking-wise, and he’s now completed all the things that warrants an even bigger alternative.

Who’s on deck for Buckley as he makes his ascent up the 170-pound rankings? Watch the video above for ideas and evaluation on his future after UFC on ESPN 56.

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