The UFC has its April 25 fundamental event, pairing Philadelphia’s Sean Brady with the surging Joaquin Buckley in a five-round welterweight clash at UFC Vegas 116. The matchup is a clean style contrast, Brady’s suffocating top game and grappling pressure against Buckley’s explosive entries, sharp counters, and one-shot ending power. For each men, that is the type of booking that turns a very good run into a press release.
Sean Brady will fight Joaquin Buckley at #UFCVegas116 on April twenty fifth. #UFC #MMA #UFCParamount #UFConParamount #UFC2026 #MainEvent pic.twitter.com/HWOXYWnhhA
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) February 22, 2026
Brady, long viewed as a contender-level grappler, does his best work once he forces opponents to defend chains, jab to level change, body lock to trip, then relentless pressure from half guard. When he’s on rhythm, rounds disappear under control time and regular damage. The query is whether or not he can consistently get Buckley’s hips pinned and keep him there for 25 minutes, because Buckley’s scrambles have improved dramatically since his move to 170.
Buckley brings the type of athletic violence that may change a fight in a blink. He’s dangerous in open space, and he punishes predictable shots with uppercuts and knees, especially when opponents shoot from too far out. If Brady can’t win the early wrestling exchanges, he may find himself stuck in a striking match where Buckley’s speed and torque take over. Still, Buckley has to prove he can stay disciplined when the clinch gets grinding, and never burn energy attempting to muscle out of positions he can’t.
With the UFC’s 2026 schedule tightening, this headliner seems like a transparent fork within the welterweight road. A Brady win puts him right back into the contender conversation and signals he can handle elite athletes without gifting away minutes. A Buckley win, meanwhile, would validate his climb at 170 and hand him the most important name on his resume.
The remainder of the UFC Vegas 116 lineup should come into focus within the weeks ahead, however the fundamental event already sets the tone for a card built on urgency. Expect Brady to chase early takedowns to bank rounds, and expect Buckley to make every break in touch count. If the fight stays standing past Round 2, the momentum could swing fast in a rush.