Joaquin Buckley has quickly become one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC’s welterweight division, known especially for his spectacular spinning back kick knockout that captured the attention of MMA fans worldwide. Alongside his fighting skills, his nickname, New Mansa, has sparked curiosity among followers of the sport, raising questions about its meaning and origin.

In MMA, nicknames often reflect an athlete’s personality, fighting style, or heritage. For Buckley, the choice of New Mansa connects deeply with African history and the legacy of one of the wealthiest leaders ever recorded.

Initially, Buckley went by the nickname Young Buck early in his career, a simple reference to his last name and youth in the sport. Reflecting on this, Buckley explained,

I always went as ‘Young Buck’ when I was younger. I was younger at the time, my last name is Buckley, so I picked a simple name. But I thought, ‘I’m not going to be able to grow up with this nickname; eventually I’m going to have to pick something different.’

—Joaquin Buckley

He considered more common nicknames like Pitbull, Punisher, and Dominator, but found them too generic. According to him,

somebody else already has those goofy names.

—Joaquin Buckley

Seeking something meaningful, Buckley decided to explore his roots and draw inspiration from his heritage.

The Historical Significance Behind the ‘New Mansa’ Title

Upon researching powerful African leaders, Buckley discovered Mansa Musa, the ruler of the Mali Empire during the early 14th century. Known as the richest man in history, Mansa Musa amassed tremendous wealth through West Africa’s abundant gold and salt resources. His empire spanned from the Atlantic coast to the city of Timbuktu, greatly influencing the economies of the regions he interacted with.

Buckley shared his reasoning behind adopting the nickname:

So I decided to do my history, some homework on some great, powerful leaders, and I ran up on this guy named Mansa Musa, from the early 14th, 15th century. He was the richest man of all time, at one point, and I was like, ‘I’m trying to go for that.’ I’m about the gold, I want to be rich, and I also want to be king one day, so why not ‘New Mansa,’

—Joaquin Buckley

In the Mali language, Mansa translates to Sultan or king, reflecting supreme leadership. By embracing the name New Mansa, Buckley not only honors the legacy of Mansa Musa but also marks a personal transformation. This change coincided with a shift in Buckley’s career as he moved from the middleweight to the welterweight division in 2023, signaling a fresh chapter and renewed goals.

Connecting Leadership and Exploration to His MMA Journey

At UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill media day, Buckley highlighted Mansa Musa’s reputation as both a leader and an explorer. He stated,

I think of myself… as a leader and somebody who is always willing to explore… new adventures. Because he is one of the people who [did that as well] with all the money that he had, searched for the new world,

—Joaquin Buckley

Buckley also shared his perspective on historical narratives, adding,

I’m really not about to tap into it too much, but I feel like America was discovered by certain people, certain kind of [people], way before Christopher Columbus, you know what I mean.

—Joaquin Buckley

These reflections emphasize Buckley’s thoughtful connection to history and his desire to position himself as a leader willing to pioneer new paths, both inside and outside the Octagon.

What Buckley’s Nickname Means for His Future in the UFC

By adopting the moniker New Mansa, Joaquin Buckley is signaling his ambition to rule the UFC welterweight division as decisively as Mansa Musa ruled his empire centuries ago. While the historical Mansa controlled gold and vast trade networks, Buckley aspires to dominate the fight game and capture UFC championships.

This nickname encapsulates Buckley’s goals of wealth, leadership, and legacy within mixed martial arts. As he continues to rise in the competitive UFC landscape, the title New Mansa serves as both a tribute to his ancestors and a motivation for future success.