Highlights! Joaquin Buckley melts ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson with wild jumping knockout

Joaquin Buckley punched his ticket to the welterweight top 10 earlier tonight (Sat., Oct. 5, 2024) at UFC 307 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, stopping two-time UFC title challenger Stephen Thompson with a vicious third-round knockout (punch).

“Wonderboy” came into this “Prelims” headliner the betting underdog, but he looked good early. Buckley did what most expected and shot in for an early takedown. Thompson defended nicely, though, getting back to his feet and allowing himself to pepper Buckley from distance. It seemed like Thompson won the first and the second was a close affair as well.

Buckley looked like the more damaged fighter entering the third. He continued to struggle when it came to distance control and finding his spacing so he rushed in with jumping power shots. Unfortunately for “Wonderboy,” one of those haymakers landed along the cage and absolutely destroyed Thompson. The elder welterweight toppled to the canvas as Buckley landed two insurance shots before the referee peeled him off.

Check out the video highlights below:

Buckley, 30, is now 5-0 since moving down to 170 pounds in 2023. This was a huge step up in competition for the former Bellator fighter, but Buckley proved his worth on a pretty big stage. Don’t be surprised if the promotion rides his hot hand and books Buckley his first-ever UFC main event next.

LIVE! Watch UFC 307 PPV On ESPN+ Here!

Championship Doubleheader! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sat., Oct. 5, 2024, with a pair of thrilling championship bouts at the helm. In UFC 307’s pay-per-view (PPV) main event, Light Heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, goes for his third successful title defense of 2024 when he collides with No. 8-ranked contender, Khalil Rountree Jr., in a battle of ferocious knockout artists. Meanwhile, in UFC 307’s championship co-headliner, women’s Bantamweight roost-ruler, Raquel Pennington, defends against former titleholder and No. 1-seeded contender, Julianna Pena, in a grudge match dating back to The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 18 more than one decade ago. UFC 307 will also feature the return of former pound-for-pound great, Jose Aldo, as well Kayla Harrison, Kevin Holland and so much more! It’s must-watch action from “SLC!” UFC 307’s start time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (Prelims card) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV main card).