The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is witnessing a pivotal transformation within its welterweight division, with Joaquin Buckley emerging as a standout figure. Buckley’s recent victory over the former interim champion Colby Covington has solidified his position as one of the leading contenders in the 170-pound class. His ascent is indicative of a generational shift, where the old guard is gradually giving way to a new breed of fighters who are redefining what it means to compete at the elite level.
On Saturday night, Buckley (21-6) extended his impressive winning streak to six consecutive fights with a stunning third-round TKO against Covington (17-5) at the UFC’s final event of 2024 in Tampa, Florida. The fight was stopped at 4:42 of the round when a cageside physician determined that a significant cut over Covington’s right eye rendered him unfit to continue. This decisive outcome not only showcases Buckley’s striking proficiency but also raises important questions about the future trajectories of both fighters involved.
Buckley was quick to leverage his victory, engaging the crowd at Amalie Arena and soliciting their thoughts on who he should face next. Potential names included Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and the reigning champion, Belal Muhammad. “I think it’s Kamaru Usman,” Buckley concluded after gauging the audience’s buzz. The fight with Usman, who has been inactive since October 2023, could be significant, especially as the welterweight landscape evolves.
Covington’s loss adds to a troubling streak; he has now found himself 1-3 in his last four outings, with his last win dating back to March 2022 against Jorge Masvidal. His struggle in the Octagon was evident as he competed on short notice, stepping in for Ian Machado Garry, who was elevated to a five-round bout against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Covington, who has been a prominent figure in the welterweight rankings, appeared lackluster against Buckley, managing only one successful takedown out of eight attempts. This performance raises questions about whether he can regain his former glory or if his best days are behind him.
Buckley’s victory also symbolizes a broader trend within the welterweight division. Fighters such as Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, and Jack Della Maddalena are making significant strides, indicating a generational shift. As veterans like Usman and Masvidal enter the twilight of their careers—Masvidal even announcing a comeback at the age of 40—the younger contenders are eagerly climbing the ranks.
Buckley’s powerful striking style and ability to control the pace of the fight make him a formidable challenge for anyone in the division. Throughout the bout with Covington, Buckley displayed his prowess by mixing strikes to both the body and head, exemplifying his well-rounded skill set. His ability to both drop Covington at the end of the first round and create the cut that ultimately halted the fight only underscores his emerging dominance in the division.
As 2024 concludes, Buckley finds himself with a remarkable 3-0 record for the year, reflecting knockouts over notable adversaries like Covington and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. These victories position him as a serious title contender, ready to challenge the best the division has to offer.
In the ever-evolving narrative of the UFC welterweight division, Buckley represents a new wave of fighters who are not only skilled but also possess the charisma to attract fans. His recent performances suggest that he is not just another contender but a potential champion in the making, someone who can revitalize the welterweight landscape and secure his legacy in the sport.
As the UFC moves forward into the next year, it will be intriguing to see which path Buckley takes. A showdown with Usman could serve as a significant milestone in his career. If the younger fighter can continue his upward trajectory, he may very well be the key to ushering in a new exciting era in the welterweight class—one filled with fresh narratives and fierce competition.
Leave a Reply