Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley set for April 25 UFC Vegas main event
MMA Fighting
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sean Brady and Joaquin Buckley are set to face off in a highly anticipated welterweight bout at the UFC Vegas main event on April 25. Both fighters, ranked No. 8 and No. 11 respectively in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, aim to bounce back from recent losses and stay in contention for a potential title shot. The clash will take place at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, with no other bouts announced yet, though bantamweight contenders Norma Dumont and Yana Santos are also scheduled to face each other on the same card.
Sean Brady (18-2) put himself on the brink of a championship opportunity after defeating former welterweight champion Leon Edwards via submission in March 2023. This victory, his third straight win, solidified his position as a top contender. However, his next fight against Michael Morales ended in a first-round knockout loss, derailing his momentum and title hopes. Brady is now eager to prove he belongs among the elite with a strong performance against Buckley.
Joaquin Buckley (21-7) has had a similar trajectory. After committing to welterweight in 2023, Buckley secured six consecutive wins, including victories over notable fighters like Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson. However, his streak was halted by Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight champion, in June 2023. Buckley’s ability to overcome this setback will be crucial as he looks to rebuild his momentum and challenge for a title opportunity.
The April 25 bout is significant because both fighters are fighting not just for pride but also for their futures in the UFC. A win could propel them closer to another shot at the welterweight title, while a loss may require strategic adjustments or tougher matchmaking going forward. For MMA fans, this clash promises to be an exciting showcase of skill and resilience, with both fighters looking to prove they belong among the sport’s elite.
This event also highlights the competitive depth in the welterweight division, where multiple fighters are vying for attention and opportunities. As both Brady and Buckley work to climb back into title contention, their April 25 showdown is a must-watch for any MMA enthusiast. The outcome could shape the trajectory
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/22/2026