UFC middleweight Joaquin Buckley has publicly called out Marvin Vettori for using a racial slur towards him both in person and on social media. The controversy stems from an incident in 2023 at Xtreme Couture gym, as well as a recent online interaction that reignited tensions.
In a recently released video, Buckley detailed an encounter where Vettori disrespected him during a training session. According to Buckley, Vettori had invited him to spar, but Buckley declined due to an upcoming bout and weight cut. Instead of accepting the response, Vettori allegedly attempted to wrap up the session by saying, “We should break it down, Buckle a [n-word].”
Buckley admitted that his failure to establish boundaries in that moment may have contributed to Vettori’s willingness to use the slur again publicly.
“Because I didn’t set those boundaries then, he think it’s cool now to call me a [n-word],” Buckley stated.
The issue resurfaced when Vettori recently commented on one of Buckley’s social media posts, once again using the racial slur. Rather than escalating the situation outside of professional settings, Buckley issued a direct challenge to Vettori.
“Let’s take it to the PI, put them gloves on, make sure you got your mouthpiece and we ain’t got to go no rounds bro, we just get busy,” Buckley said, proposing a sparring match at the UFC Performance Institute.
Beyond his personal issue with Vettori, Buckley expressed concern about the broader culture of casual racism in MMA. He referenced other high-profile incidents, including those involving Conor McGregor and Bryce Mitchell.
The UFC has seen several controversies regarding stars making inflammatory or outright racist remarks. Bryce Mitchell recently faced backlash for praising Hi tler during a podcast appearance. His statements, which included remarks about Hit ler’s motives and actions during World War II, were met with widespread condemnation. UFC President Dana White called Mitchell’s comments “beyond disgusting” and criticized the ignorance behind them.
“I’ve heard a lot of dumb and ignorant s**t said over the years, but this is probably the worst,” White stated at a Power Slap press conference. “Hitler is one of the most disgusting and evil human beings to ever walk the Earth, and anyone that even tries to take an opposing position is a moron.”
Despite White’s strong words, no disciplinary action was taken against Mitchell. The UFC’s lack of response to racist remarks was further highlighted when both Conor McGregor and Marvin Vettori tweeted racial slurs shortly after Mitchell’s controversy, seemingly without consequence.
Buckley is calling for more accountability within the UFC community when it comes to racist language and behavior.
“We can’t allow certain things to be said and done and let people cross certain lines,” Buckley stated.
