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UFC Star Snubs Dana White's Handshake and Gives Bizarre Interview Ahead of Fight Night 291
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Oct 17, 2026, 10:33 AM GMT+1

James is a Senior Editor for GIVEMESPORT with over eight years of experience in the industry.

After graduating from the University of Southampton in 2016 with a degree in history, he joined the company as an Academy member in July 2017 and, after a short time working as a freelancer, was given a full-time role in February 2018. 

He primarily covers the biggest stories in the football world but is also comfortable reporting on a variety of other sports including darts, golf, Formula 1, tennis, boxing and athletics.

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Joaquin Buckley has caused a stir for his actions ahead of his bout at UFC Fight Night 291 this weekend.

UFC Fight Night 291 takes place on Saturday evening at the Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The main event will see Buckley face off against Mike Malott at welterweight.

Buckley is looking to get back on track after losing his previous two fights. The 32-year-old was mightily impressive as he beat Colby Covington in December 2024, but he has since suffered unanimous decision defeats to Kamaru Usman and Sean Brady.

He will be desperate to return to winning ways against Malott, who is currently on a four-bout winning streak.

Buckley Gives Bizarre Interview After Snubbing Dana White

Joaquin Buckley faces off against Mike Malott
@HappyPunch on X

The ceremonial weigh-ins took place on Friday evening, with both Buckley and Malott weighing in at 170.5 pounds. Afterward, the two fighters went face-to-face for the final time before they clash in the ring.

UFC CEO Dana White was on stage to watch over their face-off. The 57-year-old said a good luck message to Buckley and extended his hand to shake hands with him.

Buckley had no intention of shaking hands with White, though, as he appeared to ignore his outstretched hand. White looked bemused at the fighter's actions but shrugged them off.

It is unknown whether Buckley deliberately ignored White, or whether he was so locked in that he didn't notice his outstretched hand. The two do have history, though, with Buckley calling out White back in February for forgetting his name.

Buckley then gave a bizarre interview where he repeatedly ignored UFC correspondent McKenzie Pavacich's questions.

"Well, Joaquin, you said it yourself, Fight Week is a celebration of all the hard work. You are so locked in right now. How have the celebrations been this week?" Pavacich asked. Buckley stayed silent and kept staring down the camera.

"All right, I think that says more than any words could. Now, third UFC main event, how much confidence do you bring from the previous ones that you've had?" Pavacich asked, again receiving no response.

She decided to ask a third question: "You spoke this week about how it's not really something that applies to you. You are able to connect with people all over the world. You're able to really enjoy these weeks. What do you think the crowd will be like tomorrow?"

After being ignored again, she decided to give up and end the interview. "This might be a first for me, guys. Joaquin, we will let you stay locked in, get ready for this fight. Best of luck to you. Guys, we'll send it back to you," she said, as Buckley swiftly left the interview.

Among the other fights taking place on Saturday evening include Erin Blanchfield vs Jasmine Jasudavicius, Kyle Nelson vs Cristian Pérez, Marc-André Barriault vs Kyle Daukaus, Louis Jourdain vs Timothy Cuamba and Mandel Nallo vs Nate Landwehr.

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