The simmering rivalry between boxing and mixed martial arts has once again erupted, this time sparked by a charged back-and-forth on social media involving boxing legend Terence “Bud” Crawford and UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley.
What began as a casual discussion about combat sport superiority quickly turned into bold claims about hypothetical street battles and who would come out on top.
Crawford, who recently retired from professional boxing after an outstanding career including a high-profile win over Canelo Alvarez, stepped into the fray following Buckley’s provocative posts.
How the Exchange Started
The situation began when Crawford appeared on the popular Adin Ross Kick stream with fellow boxing star Shakur Stevenson.
There, Crawford didn’t mince words, defending boxing’s long-standing history and technical demands.
In the stream, he declared plainly that “the UFC will never be better than boxing,” emphasizing the unique skill set and discipline required in the squared circle.
Crawford’s stance wasn’t just about sport pride, it was rooted in the belief that boxing’s specialized approach, honed over centuries, deserves respect.
Many boxing fans around the world agree that mastery of timing, footwork, distance, and punching accuracy marks boxing as a deeply technical craft.
Buckley’s Street Fight Challenge
Unhappy with Crawford’s assertions, UFC fighter Joaquin Buckley took to social media to challenge not only the claim about which sport reigns supreme but also the legitimacy of boxing versus MMA in a no-rules fight.
Buckley posted that in an unrestricted hand-to-hand combat scenario out of the ring and with no rules, he believed he would defeat Crawford, even going so far as to say, “If we came outside… I could kill you.”
While Buckley clarified he didn’t literally want to harm Crawford’s life outside the Octagon, the message drew criticism for its intensity.
Still, his point was clear: MMA fighters train in a wider array of combat elements, including grappling, striking, and takedowns, which could give them an edge in unregulated fights.
Buckley didn’t stop there. He also urged boxers to stop disrespecting MMA fighters, insisting that mixed martial artists are more entertaining and well-rounded.
That kind of rhetoric has become common in MMA vs. boxing debates, especially around cross-discipline dream matches.
Crawford’s Sharp Response
Crawford didn’t let Buckley’s comments slide without firing back. On X (formerly Twitter), he dismissed Buckley’s challenge and his MMA achievements in biting replies.
One of Crawford’s posts called Buckley “clueless” and questioned his standing in combat sports.
He then took a more sarcastic tone, asking rhetorically, “Who’s even fighting in the streets anymore?” and suggesting that the tough “street fighter” image was outdated.
Crawford went on to remark that today’s world includes more dangers than just fists, something he knows personally, having once been the victim of a gunshot wound before his boxing career took off.
Towards the end of his response, Crawford acknowledged he has no interest in settling such debates in an actual physical confrontation.
In another post, he said he’s retired and that he wouldn’t engage in street fights, especially without any advantage, playfully reminding fans that even though he’s “scary,” there’s no practical reason to fight outside the ring.
A Deeper Look at the Boxing vs. MMA Debate
This latest social media spat highlights the broader ongoing conversation about the relative merits of boxing and MMA.
Fans and athletes on both sides often claim their sport produces the superior fighter, especially in contexts where rules don’t apply.
MMA fighters argue their multi-disciplinary training prepares them for a range of scenarios, while boxing advocates point out that specialized punching skill is a core foundation of all fighting.
The debate has intensified in recent years as fans dream of crossover bouts like a boxer facing a top MMA fighter under either boxing or MMA rules.
These hypothetical matchups generate massive interest because they challenge assumptions about what makes a great fighter.
Interestingly, this latest exchange occurred shortly after Shakur Stevenson called out UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria for a boxing match, adding yet another twist to the rivalry between the two sports.
Why Fans React So Strongly
Combat sports enthusiasts are passionate by nature, and debates about skills, effectiveness, and toughness strike a chord in both communities.
For boxing devotees, the sport’s rich history and technical purity are reasons to champion it above all others.
MMA supporters, on the other hand, see their sport’s variety of techniques as proof of complete combat preparation.
While social media amplifies these disagreements, it also gives fighters a direct platform to express their views without filters.
That’s exactly what happened with Crawford and Buckley, and it’s likely not the last time these two worlds collide in a public forum.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the exchange between Terence Crawford and Joaquin Buckley may be more about sparking a reaction than settling any real scores.
Both boxing and MMA have dedicated followings, and arguments about which sport produces the best fighters will continue as long as fans and athletes are passionate about both.
What’s undeniable is that moments like this, where legends and contenders exchange sharp words, keep the conversation alive and fuel excitement across combat sports fans worldwide.