Joaquin Buckley Secures Victory Over Colby Covington With Doctor’s Stoppage

A new wave of welterweight fighters is reshaping the UFC, and Joaquin Buckley has cemented his place among the division’s rising stars. On Saturday night, Buckley (21-6) extended his winning streak to six with a third-round TKO victory over former interim champion Colby Covington (17-5).

The fight, held at Tampa’s Amalie Arena, served as the headliner for the UFC’s final event of 2024. The bout ended at 4:42 of the third round when a cage-side doctor halted the action due to a severe cut above Covington’s right eye.

Buckley Calls Out Potential Next Opponents

After his decisive win, Joaquin Buckley addressed the crowd, asking who they wanted to see him fight next. He presented three potential opponents: Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and current champion Belal Muhammad.

“I think it’s Kamaru Usman,” Buckley declared, gauging the audience’s reaction.

Kamaru Usman, now 37, has not fought since October 2023 and is currently without a scheduled opponent. A matchup with Buckley could mark Usman’s return to the Octagon.

Covington Accepts Short-Notice Fight

Colby Covington, 36, stepped into Saturday’s bout on short notice after Buckley’s original opponent, Ian Machado Garry, was reassigned to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. Despite his decorated career, Covington has struggled recently, holding a 1-3 record in his last four fights. His most recent win was against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022.

While Covington’s pre-fight theatrics, including his entrance alongside wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, captivated fans, his performance in the cage fell flat. According to UFC statistics, Covington landed 71 strikes to Joaquin Buckley’s 81 but failed to generate significant impact. Covington’s takedown attempts were largely ineffective, completing just one of eight attempts.

A Commanding Performance by Buckley

Hailing from St. Louis, Joaquin Buckley displayed precision and power throughout the fight. He attacked Covington with a mix of body and head strikes, showcasing his well-rounded striking skills. A powerful right hand from Buckley dropped Covington late in the first round, and only the bell saved Covington from a potential knockout.

Buckley’s relentless assault opened a deep cut above Covington’s right eye in the opening round, a wound that would eventually lead to the doctor’s stoppage in the third. His sharp performance and adaptability highlighted his position as a future title contender in the welterweight division.

A Changing of the Guard

Saturday’s fight symbolized a shift in the UFC welterweight landscape. Colby Covington is part of a generation of fighters whose dominance appears to be waning. Kamaru Usman has lost three consecutive fights, and Jorge Masvidal, one of the most prominent welterweights of the past decade, retired from MMA last year only to announce plans for a comeback at age 40.

Meanwhile, emerging talents like Joaquin Buckley, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, and Jack Della Maddalena are climbing the ranks and redefining the division.

A Stellar Year for Buckley

Joaquin Buckley finishes 2024 with an impressive 3-0 record, including victories over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and now Covington. As he eyes a potential matchup with top-ranked opponents in 2025, Buckley’s rise serves as a testament to his relentless drive and growing skillset.

The UFC’s welterweight division is undoubtedly evolving, and Joaquin Buckley is at the forefront of this exciting new era.