Joaquin Buckley claimed victory over Colby Covington in a dramatic main event at UFC Tampa, winning via TKO after a doctor stoppage late in the third round.
‘New Mansa’ showcased a mix of technical prowess and relentless aggression, ultimately leaving Covington unable to continue due to a severe cut above his right eye.
🚨 @Newmansa94 camina hacia el octágono listo para hacer historia! #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/cUzc0W2xNt
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) December 15, 2024
"Chaos" @ColbyCovMMA entra al octágono con toda la intensidad que lo define! 🇺🇸 #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/GkYi8UcTnb
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) December 15, 2024
The bout opened with Buckley immediately taking center stage, using his striking to keep Covington off balance. A sharp right hook late in the first round dropped Colby Covington momentarily, setting the tone for the fight.
Despite Covington’s attempts to regain control through clinches and takedown attempts, Buckley’s defensive grappling and striking precision kept him in command.
As the second round progressed, Buckley’s jab became a decisive weapon, repeatedly tagging Covington and worsening the cut. Covington managed a brief moment of control on the ground, but Buckley’s ability to escape and counter quickly nullified the threat.
Increíble la defensa de @Newmansa94! 🛡️🔥 #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/fLYcNcoCzR
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) December 15, 2024
👀 #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/NTJE2Oc8Af
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) December 15, 2024
💨 @Newmansa94 no le deja ni respirar a Covington! #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/hmwfqeJ2We
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) December 15, 2024
The third round saw Buckley solidify his dominance. Colby Covington, visibly fatigued and struggling with the worsening eye injury, attempted to take the fight to the ground again but found little success.
The damage inflicted on Covington by Buckley left the cage smeared with blood, prompting a referee intervention and a subsequent doctor stoppage at 4:42 of the round.
😲 #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/TdZ9WfDu8m
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) December 15, 2024
🩸 Colby Covington está en peligro! #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/o91qcChqZF
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) December 15, 2024
🩸❤️🩸 #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/mL4xYx53XY
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) December 15, 2024
🏆 Oficial! @Newmansa94 se lleva la victoria por TKO! 🏆#UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/EFzLU8D1xc
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) December 15, 2024
Buckley, now riding a six-fight win streak since moving to the welterweight division, addressed the crowd in his post-fight interview. Apologizing for not finishing Covington earlier, he turned to the fans to pick his next opponent, suggesting potential bouts with Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, or Belal Muhammad.
The crowd’s cheers favored Usman, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash.
Is the Nigerian Nightmare next for @NewMansa94? 👀#UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/ue1va2XQVZ
— UFC (@ufc) December 15, 2024
For Colby Covington, the loss marks another setback in his career, but his grit and determination remain unquestioned. As for Buckley, this performance cements his status as a rising star in the welterweight division and brings him closer to title contention.