UFC Fight Night held on December 15, 2024, delivered intense action as Joaquin Buckley faced off against Colby Covington, marking the final event of the UFC calendar year. The bout, held at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, culminated in Buckley's victory via technical knockout (TKO) early in the third round, leaving fans and pundits alike buzzing with discussions about the fight's implications for both fighters.
It was Buckley who dominated the match, systematically dismantling Covington’s defense. From the outset, he took control, pressing forward and landing significant strikes. According to Buckley, he recognizes the expectations for fireworks, admitting, “I know you all wanted to see something different; yes, there was blood, but you wanted to see a knockout.” Buckley expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the motivation behind his fight. “Thank God for allowing me to be here, allowing me to chase my dream,” Buckley stated, with clear emotion.
The fight turned pivotal when the referee, Dan Miragliotta, called for the doctor to assess Covington’s cut from the barrage of strikes Buckley unleashed. Feeling his momentum, Buckley expressed disappointment over the fight's stoppage, saying, “I feel like my fight shouldn’t have been stopped, but it is what it is.” Covington was seemingly approaching his peak performance, as he felt the bout was swinging back to his favor after beginning to connect more frequently with solid punches.
“I know I wasn’t at my best; I literally just got off the couch for this fight,” Covington commented post-bout on his YouTube channel, highlighting the last-minute preparation he underwent to step back inside the octagon. “I was starting to wear him out, and I already began to see him breathing hard.” Covington’s unyielding mindset shone through, as he vowed to return “stronger than ever,” noting the close nature of the contest before the abrupt end.
Despite the controversial nature of the bout's conclusion, Buckley emerged invigorated and eager for what lies ahead. Not one to shy away from ambitious aspirations, he immediately called for a high-profile match against former champion Kamaru Usman, signaling his bold intent to climb the competitive ladder. “I think it should be Kamaru Usman; let’s get it,” Buckley stated confidently, showcasing his readiness to engage with the toughest opponents.
Looking to the future, Buckley emphasized, “I believe I’ve done enough to fight for the title. If anything happens to Shavkat Rakhmonov or Belal Muhammad, I’m ready to step up as a replacement.” With this fervent conviction, he suggested the next phase of his career may involve competing for the coveted UFC welterweight championship.
The aftermath of this fight is not just about Buckley’s climb but also serves as a moment of reflection for Covington. Known for his tenacity, he remains adamant about rebounding and maintaining his relevance within the sport. Commenting on the efforts he made to compete, Covington did not shy away from airing his frustrations. “Lame stoppage. I don’t feel like I lost,” he declared, reminding fans and the UFC community of his grit.
Insights from legendary fighters echoed through social media, with Daniel Cormier stating, “Buckley is really good. He’s become a real problem,” which was widely circulated following the event. This celebrity endorsement, particularly from someone of Cormier’s stature, adds weight to Buckley's burgeoning reputation as he continues to solidify himself as a staple of the welterweight division.
The event also showcased other notable fights and performances, but the focus remained on the co-main event’s fallout. Buckley’s TKO win puts him at the forefront of the welterweight conversation as fans anticipate his next move. It’s clear he's not just eager to fight but is adamant about making significant strides toward championship gold.
Covington, with his significant experience and passion for the sport, still has many rounds left. His competitive spirit insists he will be back, ready to prove doubters wrong, stating, “I know I can still compete at this level, and the best is yet to come.”
With Buckley on the rise and Covington vowing for impactful returns, the welterweight division's narrative feels richer and more dynamic than ever as they both seek redemption and glory within the UFC.
