UFC Fight Night Tampa showcased explosive matchups and impressive earnings for fighters. The event, held at Amalie Arena on December 14, 2024, drew considerable excitement as top fighters vied for victory and monetary rewards.
Among the main events was Colby "Chaos" Covington, who headlined against Joaquin "New Mansa" Buckley. Covington, known for his brash persona and relentless fighting style, was estimated to earn around $1 million for his bout against Buckley. This figure takes his base salary, potential performance bonuses, and sponsorship deals together, underscoring his status as one of UFC’s top draws. Fight fans everywhere eagerly anticipated his strategic prowess and fight tactics inside the octagon.
Conversely, Buckley aimed for his own estimated earnings ranging from $500,000 to $1 million based on his performance on fight night. His exciting knockout ability and dynamic style have gained him considerable popularity, making him another fighter fans kept their eyes on during the night.
While the main event between Covington and Buckley set the stage, the co-main event featuring Cub Swanson and Billy Quarantillo was also one for the books. The two veteran featherweights engaged in a back-and-forth battle, with Swanson finally landing the decisive blow to claim victory. Following this action-packed bout, both fighters received $50,000 bonuses for their performance, adding to the excitement of the evening.
This latest achievement marked the eighth time Swanson has earned the Fight of the Night bonus, showcasing his continued ability to engage and captivate audiences. Quarantillo, too, proved worthy of recognition, earning the bonus for his thrilling performance.
Further adding to the night’s accolades were Performance of the Night bonuses awarded to Dustin Jacoby and Michael Johnson. Jacoby managed to turn fans' initial frustration at the slow pace of his bout against Vitor Petrino around, landing a thrilling one-punch knockout to make his mark on the fight night. Similarly, Johnson earned accolades after scoring a stunning knockout against Ottman Azaitar, resulting in his first knockout victory over two years.
Among other noteworthy fights on the night, Canadian flyweight Jamey-Lyn Horth faced Miranda "Fear The" Maverick. Horth, who entered the octagon just six weeks after her previous fight, couldn’t secure the win, losing by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the match 29-28 for Maverick. Despite her efforts, Horth struggled against Maverick’s strategy, which included clinching on the fence and control on the ground.
Horth’s opportunity arose as she filled in for the injured Tracy Cortez at just four days’ notice. With her defeat, Horth’s UFC record now stands at 2-2, with much of her performance hinging on thrusting her forward against tough competition.
Despite the losses, the night highlighted the dedication and resilience present within every fighter participating. High earnings are often reflective of not just talent but the fierce resolve and hard work each individual brings to the octagon.
Overall, UFC Fight Night Tampa lived up to expectations, marking another milestone for both recognized veterans of the sport and rising stars aiming for their chance at fame. With each thrilling bout and impressive finish, the night not only entertained the fans but also demonstrated the continuous evolution of the fighters' careers within the UFC.
The impact of earnings on fighting careers can’t be understated. Covington, Buckley, Swanson, and other fighters all show how lucrative the sport can become through skill, determination, and the willing embrace of the octagon's challenges.
Moving forward, the future remains bright for UFC fighters, as they strive for recognition and position themselves among the best. Notably, promotions continue to create compelling events, keeping fans excited and engaged, as they anticipate what lies next within the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts.
