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Colby Covington is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon in a new headlining bout against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa on December 14. This main event, hosted at the Amalie Arena, marks Covington's first fight in 2024 after a tough decision loss to Leon Edwards in December 2023. This defeat dashed his hopes of becoming the undisputed welterweight champion for the third time.
Covington, the former interim welterweight champion, is looking to bounce back and regain momentum. Despite a mixed record of 3-3 in his past six outings, his impressive victory over Jorge Masvidal in 2022 showcased his resilience and skills. Now, Covington aims to reestablish his dominance in the stacked welterweight division.
His opponent, Joaquin Buckley, has been a rising force since transitioning to the welterweight class. Buckley boasts an undefeated 5-0 record in the division, with highlight-reel finishes over elite competition like Vicente Luque and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. Known for his dynamic striking and relentless aggression, Buckley has been vocal about wanting a big-name opponent, and Covington fits the bill perfectly.
The matchup was finalized after Ian Machado Garry, Buckley’s originally scheduled opponent, was redirected to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the new pairing.
The fight carries high stakes for both athletes. For Covington, it’s a chance to prove he still belongs among the division’s elite and potentially reignite his title aspirations. For Buckley, it’s the biggest opportunity of his career to solidify himself as a legitimate contender by defeating a former interim champion.
The complete UFC Tampa card is yet to be announced, but the Covington-Buckley showdown has already generated buzz as a can’t-miss event. Fans will be eager to see if Covington can reclaim his form or if Buckley’s momentum will lead to a career-defining victory.
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