Sean Brady Dismisses Buckley’s Training With Usman Ahead of UFC 328 Clash

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Sean Brady Dismisses Buckley’s Training With Usman Ahead of UFC 328 Clash

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated May 1, 2026 10:32 PM ET

Sean Brady isn’t buying the narrative. As he prepares to face Joaquin Buckley at UFC 328 on May 9, Brady made it clear that Buckley’s decision to train with Kamaru Usman won’t change the outcome. “I don’t think it’s going to help him at all,” Brady said. “Anyone with a brain can see there’s a blueprint.”

Usman recently defeated Buckley via a takedown-heavy game plan, exposing gaps in Buckley’s grappling defense. Now, the two have linked up in preparation for Brady.

Brady, however, believes the comparison falls short. “That’s the biggest difference between me and Kamaru I’m a submission threat,” Brady said. “If I get you on the ground, I can submit anybody in the world.”

While Usman controlled Buckley with wrestling, Brady insists his grappling presents a more dangerous layer one that Buckley won’t be able to solve in a single training camp.

Sean Brady says Joaquin Buckley's work with Kamaru Usman won't make a difference at #UFC328.

"I don't think it's going to help him at all."

(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/hg36TRmX0W

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 1, 2026

Clash of Styles

The matchup is shaping up as a classic striker vs. grappler showdown:

Brady (18-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC): Elite grappling, submission-heavy approach
Buckley (22-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC): Explosive striker with knockout power

Brady expects Buckley to keep the fight standing — and he has no problem revealing his own strategy.

“He’s going to try to keep it on the feet, and I’m going to try to take him down.”

Stakes at Welterweight

Ranked No. 7, Brady is looking to rebound after a quick loss to Michael Morales at UFC 322. A win over the No. 10-ranked Buckley would keep him firmly in the 170-pound title conversation. For Buckley, it’s a chance to prove he can evolve and overcome the grappling deficiencies exposed in his last outing.

Despite Buckley’s vocal approach to promoting the fight, Brady isn’t engaging in the back-and-forth. “I don’t care what Buckley has to say about me,” Brady said. “At the end of the day, we’re going to fight and that’s when I’ll do my talking.”

Training with a former champion might help sharpen Buckley’s game. But according to Sean Brady, it won’t be enough. Because at UFC 328, the real test won’t be preparation it’ll be execution.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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