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Buckley's first MMA fight came just nine months after beginning formal training at age 18. Fighting in Missouri, he recalls competing in amateur contests without headgear or shin guards, fighting with only a few rule restrictions. His background included wrestling in middle and high school, which he saw as a solid foundation for MMA. Despite self-teaching his striking, he confesses he didn't fully "know" how to kick until later, constantly imitating what he saw in videos. His early fights were fought with enthusiasm, often risking striking purely to entertain fans and showcase exciting knockouts.