Colby Covington Sinks Deeper: Joaquin Buckley to Obliterate ‘Chaos’ at UFC Tampa

Colby Covington’s UFC Comeback Faces a Brutal Test: Can Joaquin Buckley Deliver the Finish That Will End ‘Chaos’ for Good?

Cejudo Picks Buckley for a Stoppage Win Over Covington

Henry Cejudo, former UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist, doesn’t believe Colby Covington will return to the win column anytime soon. Covington will face Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa on December 14, marking his return to the octagon after a yearlong hiatus. Despite his history as a former interim champion, Covington’s recent fights have been a mixed bag. He’s lost to top-tier opponents but only secured wins over fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Tyron Woodley, who are no longer on the active roster. Cejudo predicts that Buckley, on a tear in the welterweight division, will finish Covington in this upcoming fight.

Joaquin Buckley’s Rise to Contender Status

Joaquin Buckley has been on a five-fight win streak, including a thrilling third-round knockout of Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. This victory elevated Buckley to No. 10 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. Since his move to the lightweight division in 2023, Buckley has showcased impressive growth, quickly establishing himself as one of the top contenders. Cejudo, confident in Buckley’s skills, believes his striking, particularly his distance control and ability to land powerful shots, will be too much for Covington to handle.

Covington’s Predictable Style and Declining Form

Cejudo argues that Colby Covington’s style has become too predictable in recent years. He notes that Covington’s takedown-heavy approach was effectively countered by fighters like Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman, leaving him with fewer options in the cage. Cejudo emphasizes that once Buckley neutralizes Covington’s wrestling, he will dominate the fight. Cejudo points to Buckley’s ability to close distance and land precise strikes, citing his win over Wonderboy as proof of his dangerous potential.

Kamaru Usman’s Perspective on the Fight

On his Pound 4 Pound podcast, Kamaru Usman echoed Cejudo’s analysis but believes Buckley might face a tougher challenge than expected. Usman, who has fought Covington twice, highlights that while Buckley’s striking is elite, Covington’s wrestling could pose a significant challenge if he effectively changes levels. Usman also noted that Covington’s extended layoff could be a key factor, as he has historically struggled after time away from the cage.

What’s at Stake in This Exciting Matchup

Both Cejudo and Usman are eager to see how this fight plays out. While Usman acknowledges that Covington’s wrestling could make things interesting, Cejudo remains confident that Buckley’s power and versatility will lead him to a stoppage victory. With both fighters highly motivated, this bout is shaping up to be a really anticipated showdown for UFC fans everywhere.