This Saturday, Joaquin Buckley steps into the cage at UFC Edmonton with a clear mission: to prove that his two consecutive losses don’t define his future. At 32, the American fighter is banking on a two-pronged strategy to rebound. On one hand, he’s boosting his social media presence, now sharing technical tips and innovative drills. On the other, he’s drawing inspiration from legends like Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and King Green, who’ve managed to blend entertainment and authenticity on platforms like Kick.
Among his most notable initiatives, Buckley recently posted a video on Instagram teaching the "Herb Dean drill", an exercise designed to improve ground-fighting techniques while raising awareness of the importance of rigorous officiating. This move, both educational and committed, reflects his desire to position himself as an active player in the evolution of MMA. "I want to show that fighting isn’t just about the cage," he explains in an interview. "It’s also about sharing and passing on knowledge."
A Model Inspired by MMA Pioneers
Buckley’s approach follows in the footsteps of figures like Rampage Jackson, who leveraged his charisma and authenticity to reach an audience far beyond MMA fans. King Green, for his part, proved that a platform like Kick could become a go-to for fighters looking to diversify their content. For Buckley, these examples show that success doesn’t necessarily require overproduction—just a direct connection with the fans.
His return to Kick, where he now shares behind-the-scenes moments from his training and technical breakdowns, is a bold gamble. "I want to show what goes on behind the curtain," he admits. "Fans deserve to see the work behind every fight, not just the results." This transparency, combined with drills like the Herb Dean-inspired one, could very well redefine his career.
With this fight in Edmonton, Joaquin Buckley has the chance to turn the page after two tough losses. Between digital innovation and the legacy of MMA pioneers, his journey looks set to become a testing ground for the future of the sport. The question remains: will the cage give him the same resonance as his social media presence?

