UFC Tampa: Buckley wins by doctor stoppage in third round
Joaquin Buckley defeated Colby Covington in the main event of UFC Tampa on Sunday afternoon (AEDT) in Florida, winning by doctor stoppage in the third round.
A heavy favourite across the top UFC bookmakers, Buckley came out of the blocks fast in the promotion’s final bout of 2024.
The No.9 contender dominated Covington in the majority of the striking exchanges, opening up a nasty cut above the veteran’s right eye in the first minute.
It was this cut which would eventually lead to the fight’s stoppage, but Covington – a $3.40 underdog to win at Neds pre-fight – fought on valiantly for just short of three rounds.
The former interim champion continually had his takedown attempts repelled by Buckley’s excellent defence, only gaining dominance on the mat for a brief period in the second round.
Buckley continued to add damage to Covington’s face throughout the second and third rounds, leading referee Dan Miragliotta to stop the fight for an inspection late in the third.
“He’s going to lose this eyelid,” the ringside doctor said, causing the fight to be called off at 4:42 in the third round.
“Hey Tampa, I know that ain’t the fight you really wanted,” Buckley said in his post-fight interview.
“I know y’all wanted to see a knockout.
“I should have got that for you in the first round, my bad.
“I got to thank God for giving me the confidence to chase my dreams.
“Brick by brick we built this team.”
Buckley then looked ahead to his next bout, engaging the crowd in the process of who he should fight next.
“You know who I want? My fans are going to pick my opponent,” he said.
“The one you make the most noise for that’s my next opponent.
“Leon Edwards?
“Kamaru Usman?
“Take the throne from Belal Muhammad.”
“I think it’s Kamaru Usman, let’s go.”
Usman is currently the No.3 contender in the division, and despite Buckley’s impressive performance, the American will likely be an underdog across UFC betting sites if the fight does eventuate.
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