Tampa, Florida: Joaquin Buckley Claims Victory Over Colby Covington
In a thrilling main event on Saturday, December 30, 2024, Joaquin Buckley emerged victorious against Colby Covington in a welterweight bout at Amalie Arena, marking a significant moment in his rising career. Buckley, who now boasts a record of 21 wins and 6 losses, secured a win by doctor’s stoppage due to a significant cut over Covington’s right eye, in the third round of the fight.
The Fight Breakdown
The fight, which was the highlight of the UFC’s last card of 2024, pushed Buckley’s winning streak to six consecutive bouts. The match came to a halt at the 4:42 mark of the third round when a cageside physician deemed Covington unable to continue due to the cut. Buckley used a dominant striking game, outlanding Covington 81 strikes to 71, and opened the cut that ended the fight during an impressive display of his boxing skills.
Throughout the match, Buckley showcased his prowess, dropping Covington with a precise right hand at the end of the first round. The fight illustrated Buckley’s ability to adapt and maintain control, thwarting Covington’s attempts to take him down. Despite Covington’s efforts, which included eight takedown attempts, he could only succeed with one.
The Aftermath
Post-fight, Buckley addressed the crowd, seeking their input on who he should face next. He presented options that included Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and current champion Belal Muhammad. The audience seemed to favor a bout against Usman, who has been on a hiatus since October 2023 and currently doesn’t have an opponent lined up.
For Covington, this fight marked another setback. At 36 years old, his record reflects a troubling trend, with only one win out of his last four matches. Despite an illustrious career and previous status as the interim champion, he seems to be finding himself on the decline in the competitive welterweight division.
Shifts in the Welterweight Division
The welterweight division appears to be experiencing a significant turnover, as rising stars like Buckley and others such as Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry begin to replace veteran fighters like Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Kamaru Usman. Masvidal, a popular figure in the sport, retired last year but has hinted at a potential comeback, while Usman faces a critical moment in his career following three consecutive losses.
As for Buckley, he finishes 2024 with an impressive record, including notable knockouts against Covington and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. His performance on Saturday positions him as one of the prominent figures in the new era of welterweights, raising expectations for his future matchups.
Conclusion
The fight in Tampa showcased not just a victory for Buckley but also the evolution of the welterweight division in the UFC. As old contenders fade, new challengers like Buckley are emerging, signaling an exciting time ahead for fans and fighters alike.
