Joaquin Buckley Reveals Why He Snubbed Dana White’s Handshake Before UFC Edmonton Defeat

Joaquin Buckley Reveals Why He Snubbed Dana White’s Handshake Before UFC Edmonton Defeat

Joaquin Buckley appeared to express frustration over being overlooked for a UFC welterweight title shot after he refused to shake UFC president Dana White’s hand during the ceremonial weigh-ins ahead of UFC Fight Night 291 in Edmonton, Canada. The 32-year-old American later suffered a second-round defeat to Canadian fighter Mike Malott, who landed a devastating knee to secure the victory.

Buckley’s frustration reportedly stemmed from his impressive six-fight winning streak between 2023 and 2024, during which he defeated notable opponents, including Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington. Despite his run of form, he questioned why he was not given a title opportunity ahead of Jack Della Maddalena, insisting that he believed he had the ability to challenge Islam Makhachev.

Reacting to the handshake incident, White said fighters handle fight week differently because of the pressure of training, weight cuts and being away from loved ones. He insisted that he did not take Buckley’s behaviour personally before joking that he told UFC executive Hunter Campbell to cut the fighter immediately after his defeat.