UFC Tampa 2024: Covington vs. Buckley Fight Night Preview

The UFC is set to wrap up 2024 with a thrilling event as UFC Tampa 2024 unfolds on December 14 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. This highly anticipated fight night is headlined by the welterweight showdown Covington vs. Buckley, a clash of styles and stakes that has fight fans buzzing. With a stacked card featuring marquee matchups, UFC Tampa promises to deliver an unforgettable night of action.

The Main Event: Covington vs. Buckley

The spotlight is firmly on Covington vs. Buckley, a fight that pits experience against youth, strategy against explosiveness.

Colby Covington, a former interim welterweight champion and three-time title challenger, steps into the octagon with his renowned cardio and relentless pace. Known for his elite wrestling and volume striking, Covington remains a fixture among the welterweight elite despite being 36 years old. With his career at a crossroads, a win in this fight could reignite his title hopes and cement his legacy as one of the division’s toughest competitors.

Facing him is Joaquin Buckley, a fighter who has captured the MMA world’s imagination with his highlight-reel knockouts. Buckley’s spinning kick KO of Impa Kasanganay in 2020 remains iconic, and his evolution as a mixed martial artist has only enhanced his reputation. At 30 years old, Buckley has rounded out his skill set with improved grappling to complement his striking power. Entering as the favorite, Buckley views this fight as his ticket to solidifying his place among the welterweight’s best.

This matchup isn’t just about styles; it’s about legacies. For Covington, defeating a surging talent like Buckley would reaffirm his relevance in the title picture. For Buckley, overcoming a veteran of Covington’s caliber would be a career-defining moment.

Betting Odds and Predictions

In the Covington vs. Buckley showdown, Joaquin Buckley is the betting favorite at -225, while Covington stands as a +187 underdog. Buckley’s youth, knockout power, and recent form give him a clear advantage. However, Covington’s experience, fight IQ, and relentless pressure make him a formidable challenge. The fight could hinge on whether Covington can neutralize Buckley’s striking with his wrestling or if Buckley can keep the fight standing to unleash his power.

How to Watch

UFC Tampa will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and ESPN+, with prelims kicking off at 7 PM ET and the main card starting at 10 PM ET. For pay-per-view options, visit UFC Fight Pass to purchase the event.

Co-Main Event and Undercard Highlights

While the main event, Covington vs. Buckley, takes center stage, the co-main event also promises fireworks. Former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos will face rising star Mateusz Gamrot in a high-stakes bout that could shape the lightweight division’s future. Dos Anjos’ experience and grappling acumen contrast with Gamrot’s speed and athleticism, making this a must-watch fight.

Other Notable Matchups:

Billy Quarantillo vs. Cub Swanson: A featherweight battle between a promising prospect and a seasoned veteran. Quarantillo seeks to establish himself as a contender, while Swanson aims to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Mackenzie Dern vs. Tatiana Suarez: A pivotal women’s strawweight clash featuring two elite grapplers. Dern’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise meets Suarez’s wrestling dominance in a fight with potential title implications.
Gilbert Burns vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov: A welterweight bout that promises fireworks. Burns’ toughness and grappling will be tested against Rakhmonov’s undefeated record and finishing ability.

Prelims to Watch

The preliminary card is brimming with talent. Keep an eye on fighters like Jack Della Maddalena, whose striking prowess has made waves in the welterweight division, and Erin Blanchfield, a surging contender in women’s flyweight. These prelim bouts will set the tone for an action-packed night.

Conclusion

UFC Tampa 2024 is shaping up to be a sensational event, with Covington vs. Buckley as its crown jewel. From the high-stakes main event to the thrilling undercard matchups, this fight night offers something for every MMA fan. Be sure to tune in on December 14 to witness some of the world’s best fighters leave it all in the octagon. Don’t miss the opportunity to see how the story of Covington vs. Buckley unfolds—a fight destined to make MMA history.

UFC Tampa 2024: Covington vs. Buckley Fight Night Preview