UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley delivered an action-packed evening for mixed martial arts fans this past Saturday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The main event witnessed rising welterweight star Joaquin Buckley take on former interim champion Colby Covington, with Buckley coming out victorious and challenging the potential next matchup against legendary fighter Kamaru Usman.
Following his overwhelming win, Buckley, who boasts six consecutive victories since transitioning to the welterweight division, stated, "En 2025, on prend le trône," signaling his ambitions toward the title. The crowd responded enthusiastically, particularly as Buckley called out Usman, saying, "Is the Nigerian Nightmare next for @NewMansa94?" It’s clear the Florida audience was highly supportive of Buckley’s claim to challenge the former champion.
Meanwhile, Covington, who stepped up to replace Ian Machado Garry for this matchup, has seen himself on the decline after three consecutive title losses, the most recent being against Leon Edwards at UFC 296. His record stands at 17 wins and 4 losses, with Covington’s style characterized as relentless grappling paired with relentless cardio—attributes which posed significant challenges to Buckley, who is known for his explosive knockout power.
While the fight ended with Buckley dominating and forcing the referee to halt the contest, it showcased his continued rise within the division, especially as he navigates toward title contention. Buckley’s performance is particularly impressive, having earned Performance of the Night accolades for his previous fight against Stephen Thompson.
Looking forward, Buckley might have to confront Usman as his next challenge, who has not fought since December 2023. Usman, previously unmatched due to his extensive success as champion, faces potential struggles for momentum after consecutive defeats to elite opponents including Khamzat Chimaev.
On another front, fans are eagerly anticipating UFC Riyadh, scheduled for February 1, 2025. Highlights of this event include Shara Magomedov, who will step inside the octagon to face Michael "MVP" Page. Not only is this matchup thrilling because it pits two of the sport's most exciting talents against one another, but it also highlights the competitive dynamics of the welterweight division.
Magomedov, the undefeated Russian fighter, is coming off impressive performances, including one of the year's standout finishes—a double spinning back fist knockout, as noted where he wrote himself "in the history books" with his sensational win. Currently holding 15 victories with four within the UFC, Magomedov is on the precipice of possibly extending his streak against MVP.
The bout between Magomedov and MVP promises to be impactful. Both fighters are known for their aptitude within stand-up fighting, and as expectations soar, fans can anticipate the unique fighting styles they each bring to the octagon. While we’ve already seen the mesmerizing tactics of MVP—a seasoned veteran, on the other side, it will be fascinating to see how Magomedov adapts to the experience of Page, who himself is coming off of difficult situations within the UFC.
This contest also arrives on the heels of Page's previous showdown at UFC 303, where he faced Ian Garry. Following his loss there, Page’s return is largely viewed as pivotal both for him personally and for his standings within the organization. A victory over Magomedov would certainly serve as redemption.
UFC Fight Night brought forth not just competitive bouts; it demonstrated the future potential of its fighters. With Buckley’s triumph steering him toward the top of the welterweight ranks and Magomedov aiming to take the light heavyweight division by storm, expectations for the organization’s 2024 fight schedule are set higher than ever. Whether Buckley makes his way to face Usman, or Magomedov carries the momentum of his undefeated record against Page, the thrill of anticipation remains at the forefront as these events approach.
Overall, the propagation of competition within 2024’s UFC showcases the evolution of fighters’ career trajectories, establishing fights with high stakes and anticipation, and entrenching them firmly within the sporting narrative.
