Here’s a bold statement: the UFC isn’t just keeping pace with boxing—it’s surpassing it, and not everyone is ready to hear that. But here’s where it gets controversial... UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier recently threw his weight behind Joaquin Buckley’s fiery response to boxing champion Shakur Stevenson, who downplayed MMA in comparison to boxing. Buckley didn’t hold back, calling out boxers for their perceived disrespect toward UFC fighters, and Cormier couldn’t agree more. And this is the part most people miss... It’s not just about the sport itself—it’s about the excitement, the stars, and the fights that define an era.
Buckley took aim at Stevenson’s defensive-heavy style, arguing that boxers like him prioritize protecting their records over delivering knockout performances. This, Buckley claims, leaves them vulnerable and makes for less thrilling fights. Cormier echoed this sentiment, using his YouTube channel to dissect why modern boxing falls short of its glory days. “Shakur Stevenson said the UFC could never be boxing—Joaquin Buckley was right,” Cormier stated. “It doesn’t have to be boxing, because today’s boxing isn’t what it used to be. There aren’t enough stars or big fights to recapture the magic of the ’70s, ’80s, or ’90s.”
Think about it: when was the last time a boxing match truly felt as monumental as Ali vs. Frazier, Tyson in his prime, or even the Klitschko Brothers dominating the heavyweight division? Cormier argues that those eras were defined by larger-than-life personalities and high-stakes matchups that captivated the world. Today, even marquee events like Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, while technically impressive, often lack the fireworks fans crave. Crawford’s masterful control over Canelo in their recent fight is a prime example—it was a clinic in boxing skill, but it wasn’t exactly edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
Here’s the kicker... Cormier believes the UFC consistently delivers where boxing now falls short. “The UFC is more fun, more exciting, and just better,” he declared. “It’s the God-honest truth.” But don’t think he’s anti-boxing—far from it. Cormier has deep respect for the sport and counts legends like Andre Ward among his friends. His critique isn’t personal; it’s a call to acknowledge the shift in combat sports culture. Buckley’s willingness to call out boxing’s shortcomings, Cormier says, is exactly what the conversation needs.
Now, let’s spark some debate... Is Cormier right? Has boxing lost its luster, or is the UFC simply riding a wave of innovation? Are defensive masterclasses like Crawford’s underrated, or do fans truly crave the chaos of a knockout-heavy fight? Let’s hear it—do you agree with Cormier and Buckley, or is boxing still the undisputed king of combat sports? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep this conversation going!
