Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley: A Clash of Welterweight Titans in Tampa
The UFC returns to Tampa, Florida, on December 14th, 2024, for the final event of the year, headlined by a welterweight showdown between veteran contender Colby Covington and rising star Joaquin Buckley. This matchup pits two distinct fighting styles against each other, promising an explosive end to the UFC’s 2024 calendar. Covington, a former interim welterweight champion, seeks to reclaim his position among the division’s elite after a series of setbacks, while Buckley aims to solidify his ascent with a statement victory against a recognized name.
Colby Covington, once a dominant force in the welterweight division, enters the fight with a 17-4 record. His resume boasts notable victories over former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos and fan-favorite Jorge Masvidal. He held the interim welterweight title briefly in 2018 but was stripped due to an inability to compete in a unification bout. Covington has unsuccessfully challenged for the undisputed title three times, falling short against Kamaru Usman twice and Leon Edwards once. His most recent fight, a loss to Edwards in December 2023, marked a period of inactivity for Covington, raising questions about his current form and motivation. He acknowledges his struggles and attributes them to losing sight of himself amidst the hype surrounding his title aspirations. He claims to have rediscovered his focus and aims to remind fans of his true potential.
On the other side of the octagon stands Joaquin Buckley, an electrifying knockout artist with a 20-6 record. Buckley has surged through the welterweight rankings since dropping down in 2023, amassing a perfect 6-0 record. His knockout power is undeniable, evident in his finishes against Vicente Luque and Stephen Thompson. Buckley’s recent victory over the two-time title challenger Thompson, a seasoned veteran known for his durability and technical striking, sent shockwaves through the division and cemented his status as a legitimate threat. This victory, coupled with his dominant run at welterweight, underscores Buckley’s confidence in his abilities and his belief that he is a superior fighter to Covington, regardless of Covington’s past achievements.
The initial betting odds opened with the fight as a near pick ’em, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Covington’s current form. However, public sentiment has shifted dramatically in Buckley’s favor, with the odds now significantly favoring the rising star. Buckley’s recent performances and Covington’s inactivity have contributed to this shift, painting a picture of a veteran potentially past his prime facing a younger, hungrier opponent on a remarkable win streak.
Covington’s year-long absence from competition raises concerns about ring rust and his ability to keep pace with Buckley’s explosiveness. While he claims to have used this time for personal and martial arts growth, it remains to be seen how this translates inside the octagon. His past success, however, cannot be discounted. Covington’s relentless pressure, wrestling-heavy approach, and cardio could pose problems for Buckley, particularly if the fight extends beyond the early rounds.
Buckley, on the other hand, enters the fight brimming with confidence. His knockout power is a constant threat, and his recent victories indicate an improved overall skillset. He has shown the ability to finish fights early and has also demonstrated an evolving ability to go the distance, as seen in his decision win over Nursulton Ruziboev. His assessment of Covington’s recent performances suggests a belief that he is facing a diminished version of the former interim champion.
The fight presents a fascinating clash of styles. Covington’s grinding, wrestling-centric approach contrasts sharply with Buckley’s dynamic striking and knockout power. The outcome will likely depend on whether Covington can effectively implement his wrestling game and control the pace of the fight or whether Buckley can keep the fight standing and land his devastating strikes. The shift in betting odds suggests a prevailing belief that Buckley’s youth, momentum, and knockout power will ultimately prevail.
The UFC Tampa main event holds significant implications for the welterweight division. A win for Covington would re-establish him as a top contender and potentially put him back in the title picture. A victory for Buckley would further solidify his rise and potentially earn him a shot at the welterweight championship. This high-stakes matchup promises fireworks and will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of the division heading into 2025. The fight is not just a clash of styles but a clash of generations, with the veteran Covington looking to prove he still belongs among the elite while the rising star Buckley aims to claim his place at the top.
