Joaquin Buckley's jump shot defeats Stephen Thompson

Everything seemed to be going great for Stephen Thompson until he landed first on the canvas midway through the third round of their UFC 307 fight.

The party responsible for the violent jumping knockout was Joaquin Buckley (19-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC), the “Wonderboy” Thompson (17-7-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) with one Jumping right hook smash ended the fight at 2:17 of round 3.

The welterweight bout rounded out the UFC 307 preliminary card at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

Buckley was the aggressor for much of the three-round fight, while Thompson played the role of matador to his bull. Thompson's counterpunches landed on Buckley a few times, but that didn't stop the pressure.

Thompson repelled many of Buckley's takedown attempts, making him seemingly impossible to control for any length of time.

Right after landing a big head kick for Thompson in the first two minutes of the third round, Buckley finally found a home for the big ball. He jumped into the air and landed a big right hook that sent Thompson to all fours.

Joaquin Buckley 😬 pic.twitter.com/GRe2cua1g8

— Jason Williams (@jasoneg33) October 6, 2024

After the win, which was Buckley's fourth straight, he challenged former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Buckley defeated Andre Fialho, Alex Morono and Nursulton Ruziboev in succession before Saturday's fight.

The 41-year-old Thompson has now lost two fights in a row, including four of his last five.

He knows who he wants next 👀@NewMansa94 wants Kamaru Usman as his next opponent! #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/yPXz7Chu4w

– UFC (@ufc) October 6, 2024

Current UFC 307 results include:

• Joaquin Buckley defeated. Stephen Thompson via Knockout (punches) – Round 3, 2:17
• Iasmin Lucindo defeated. Marina Rodriguez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Alexander Hernandez defeated. Austin Hubbard via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
• Cesar Almeida defeated. Ihor Potieria by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Ryan Spann defeated. Ovince Saint Preux via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:35
• Tecia Pennington defeated. Carla Esparza by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Court McGee defeated. Tim Means via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:19

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 307 event hub.