Alessio Di Chirico knocks out Joaquin Buckley in the first at UFC Fight Island 7

The second fight on the main card of UFC Fight Island 7 looked on paper like it was going to be a showcase matchup. One of the UFC’s top prospects, Joaquin Buckley (12-3), was returning to take on Alessio Di Chirico (12-5).

2020 was a great year for Joaquin Buckley. In July, he wasn’t even on the UFC roster. However, when Kevin Holland needed an opponent, Buckley stepped up on just seven days notice to take on Holland.

Buckley had just secured a knockout in LFA that impressed the UFC. While Buckley lost to Holland, the promotion decided to keep him around. After that, he had two sensational knockout wins including one that went viral.

Dana White has seemed very excited about Buckley as a prospect in the middleweight division. The UFC decided to give him Di Chirico which on paper looks like a fight that should go for Buckley.

Alessio Di Chirico is not a bad fight, however, he’s not really special. He entered the octagon today on a three-fight losing streak. He was fighting to stop the Buckley hype train but he might also be fighting for his job in the UFC.

UFC Fight Island 7 Recap

Round 1

The second fight at UFC Fight Island 7 kicked off with a body kick from Di Chirico. Buckley pressed forward trying to pressure Di Chirico, but Di Chirico was doing a good job of keeping him at range with his kicks.

Di Chirico then started working low kicks on Buckley. Buckley seemed a tad tentative after taking some decent kicks from Di Chirico. Halfway through the first round and Buckley was still struggling to get inside on Di Chirico.

Out of no where Di Chirico lands a flush head kick to the temple of Buckley and Buckley’s out! Unbelievable performance at UFC Fight Island 7 for Alessio Di Chirico.

Alessio Di Chirico def. Joaquin Buckley by KO – Round 1