Rakhmonov Dismisses Buckley After Profane Callout, Labels Him ‘Third Option’

Overview

• Joaquin Buckley posted a video demanding Shavkat Rakhmonov sign to fight and threatened to "f—k" him up.
• Rakhmonov had earlier replied to Buckley on social media with a remark translated as "Black boy you get beat up," which Buckley condemned.
• On Saturday, Rakhmonov fired back again, calling Buckley "delusional," saying he would prefer to face Kamaru Usman, and naming Buckley his "third option."
• Rakhmonov has not competed since defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 and is reported to be close to an early-2026 return following a leg injury.
• Multiple outlets suggest Buckley vs. Rakhmonov could make commercial sense in 2026 if no immediate title shot is granted, but no bout is booked.