Buckley’s Triumphant Upset Shakes Up Welterweight Division
In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the UFC welterweight division, ninth-ranked Joaquin Buckley delivered a dominant performance against sixth-ranked Colby Covington at the final UFC event of the year in Tampa, Florida. Buckley’s near-flawless execution culminated in a third-round TKO victory via doctor’s stoppage, leaving no doubt about his ascendance in the rankings and Covington’s unexpected vulnerability.
The fight began with Buckley immediately establishing his striking prowess, opening a significant cut above Covington’s right eye in the first round. This early blow set the tone for the remainder of the bout, with Buckley consistently outmaneuvering Covington and effectively neutralizing the former interim champion’s grappling attempts. Despite Covington securing takedowns in the second and third rounds, Buckley showcased his resilience by swiftly returning to his feet without sustaining any significant damage.
As the fight progressed, the gash on Covington’s eyelid worsened, becoming a focal point of the contest. With Buckley’s shorts and legs saturated with Covington’s blood, the Octagon-side physician closely monitored the situation, while Covington attempted to prolong grappling exchanges in a bid to shield his injured eye. However, the damage was too severe, and at the 4:42 mark of the third round, the doctor intervened, bringing the fight to a halt. While officially recorded as a TKO due to doctor’s stoppage, the result unequivocally demonstrated Buckley’s superiority.
Buckley’s comprehensive victory was underscored by his impressive striking statistics, landing 75 significant strikes compared to Covington’s 37. Moreover, he effectively nullified Covington’s renowned wrestling advantage, showcasing a well-rounded skillset that positions him as a formidable threat in the welterweight division. In the post-fight interview, Buckley displayed a newfound maturity and fan engagement, allowing the audience to choose his next opponent from a list that included Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and Belal Muhammad. The crowd overwhelmingly favored a matchup with Usman, a compelling prospect, though its realization remains uncertain due to rumors of Usman potentially facing Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 312 in Sydney.
A Night of Explosive Finishes and Veteran Grit
Beyond the main event, UFC Tampa delivered a thrilling card filled with spectacular finishes and compelling performances. Veteran fan-favorite Cub Swanson, 41, turned back the clock with a stunning third-round knockout victory over Billy Quarantillo. This electrifying performance, reminiscent of Swanson’s prime, captivated the audience and garnered widespread acclaim from fellow fighters, solidifying Swanson’s legacy as one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. While retirement speculation swirled around Swanson, he opted to continue his fighting journey, leaving fans eager for his next appearance.
In the flyweight division, Manel Kape made a resounding statement with an impressive third-round TKO win over Bruno Silva, bolstering his claim for a title shot against reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja. Kape’s victory was all the more remarkable considering he had to overcome three low blows from Silva before securing the finish. Dustin Jacoby also delivered a highlight-reel knockout, upsetting Vitor Petrino with a devastating straight right hand in the third round. Michael Johnson, a seasoned veteran at 38, demonstrated his enduring power with a thunderous second-round knockout of Ottman Azaitar, emphatically declaring his intention to continue competing at a high level.
Emerging Contenders and Exciting Prospects
The undercard showcased the potential of rising stars and the evolving landscape of several divisions. Joel Álvarez demonstrated his devastating striking with a first-round flying knee knockout victory over Drakkar Klose, further solidifying his position as a potential future contender. Álvarez expressed his intention to eventually move up to the welterweight division, leaving fans anticipating his next move. Sean Woodson secured a decisive first-round TKO win against Fernando Padilla, showcasing his aggressive striking and finishing ability.
Several other fighters earned hard-fought victories on the card, including Daniel Marcos edging out Adrian Yanez by split decision, Navajo Stirling dominating Tuco Tokkos with a unanimous decision victory, Felipe Lima securing a unanimous decision win over Miles Johns, Miranda Maverick prevailing against Jamey-Lyn Horth via unanimous decision, Davey Grant earning a unanimous decision win over Ramon Taveras, and Piera Rodriguez claiming a unanimous decision victory against Josefine Knutsson.
Recognizing Outstanding Performances
The UFC recognized the exceptional performances of the night with post-fight bonus awards. Dustin Jacoby and Michael Johnson each received Performance of the Night bonuses for their spectacular knockout victories. The co-main event between Cub Swanson and Billy Quarantillo earned Fight of the Night honors, recognizing the thrilling back-and-forth action and Swanson’s memorable knockout. These bonuses highlighted the electrifying atmosphere and the high level of competition displayed at UFC Tampa, capping off an exciting year for the promotion and setting the stage for an even more anticipated 2024.
