Joaquin Buckley Shines as Doctor Stops Covington Bout
There’s a changing of the guard happening in the UFC’s welterweight division, and Joaquin Buckley is making sure his name is at the forefront of this new era. On Saturday night, Buckley (21-6) delivered a statement victory, extending his winning streak to six with a third-round TKO over former interim champion Colby Covington (17-5). The fight, which headlined the UFC’s final card of 2024 in Tampa, ended at the 4:42 mark of the third round when a cageside physician stopped the bout due to a nasty cut over Covington’s right eye.
As the crowd inside Amalie Arena roared, Buckley seized the moment to ask fans who they wanted to see him fight next. He threw out some big names, including Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and current champion Belal Muhammad. After gauging the crowd’s reaction, Buckley seemed to settle on one name: “I think it’s Kamaru Usman.”
For Usman, the timing might be right. The 37-year-old hasn’t fought since October 2023 and currently doesn’t have an opponent lined up. A showdown with Buckley could be the perfect opportunity for both fighters to make a statement in the ever-competitive welterweight division.
Covington’s Short-Notice Gamble Falls Flat
Covington, 36, stepped into Saturday’s fight on short notice after Buckley’s original opponent, Ian Machado Garry, was moved to a five-round bout against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. While Covington has been a staple in the UFC’s welterweight rankings for years, his recent performances have been less than stellar. He’s now 1-3 in his past four fights, with his last win coming against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022.
Ever the showman, Covington made a grand entrance alongside pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and former UFC star Chael Sonnen, who now works as an ESPN analyst. But once the fight began, Covington struggled to find his rhythm. According to UFC Stats, he landed 71 strikes compared to Buckley’s 81, but his punches lacked power. His wrestling, usually a strong point, was also ineffective, as he managed just one takedown on eight attempts.
Buckley’s Star Continues to Rise
Buckley, a St. Louis native, looked sharp from the opening bell. He mixed up his striking beautifully, targeting both Covington’s body and head. Late in the first round, Buckley dropped Covington with a powerful right hand, and it looked like the fight might end right there if not for the bell saving Covington. That same round, Buckley opened the cut over Covington’s right eye that would ultimately lead to the doctor’s stoppage.
With this win, Buckley finishes 2024 with a perfect 3-0 record, including knockouts of Covington and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. His performances have solidified his place as one of the most exciting fighters in the welterweight division and a legitimate contender for the title.
The Changing Landscape of the Welterweight Division
Covington’s loss is part of a larger trend in the welterweight division, where a new generation of fighters is beginning to take over. Fighters like Buckley, Rakhmonov, Machado Garry, and Jack Della Maddalena are climbing the rankings and making their presence felt. Meanwhile, some of the division’s longtime stars are fading. Usman has lost three in a row, and Masvidal, one of the most popular welterweights of the past decade, retired last year but has announced plans for a comeback at age 40.
For Buckley, the future looks bright. He’s not just winning fights; he’s doing so in spectacular fashion, and he’s not afraid to call out the biggest names in the division. Whether it’s Usman, Edwards, or Muhammad, Buckley’s next fight is sure to be must-see TV.
Key Takeaways from Buckley vs. Covington
- Buckley’s Momentum: With six straight wins, Buckley is one of the hottest fighters in the welterweight division.
- Covington’s Decline: The former interim champ has now lost three of his last four fights and may be nearing the end of his prime.
- Welterweight Shake-Up: A new generation of fighters is taking over, and Buckley is leading the charge.
As the UFC heads into 2025, all eyes will be on Joaquin Buckley to see if he can continue his meteoric rise. One thing’s for sure: the welterweight division is more exciting than ever.
Originally Written by: Brett Okamoto
