The welterweight division of the UFC has long been lauded for its competitive nature, and it appears that a seismic shift is underway. At the forefront of this transformation is none other than Joaquin Buckley, whose remarkable ascent is marked by a recent victory that has sent ripples throughout the fight community. After an impressive third-round TKO against former interim champion Colby Covington, Buckley has extended his winning streak to an astonishing six fights, signaling a bold new era for the welterweight class.
Buckley not only showcased his prowess in the Octagon during this bout, which served as the main event of UFC Tampa’s final card of the year, but he did so with a decisive finish at the 4:42 mark in the third round. Covington, a seasoned fighter known for his grappling and striking skills, found himself unable to continue due to a cut inflicted during the fight. The stoppage, a decision made by cageside medical personnel, was a stark reminder of the brutal reality of mixed martial arts and the risks athletes undertake.
What makes Buckley’s victory particularly noteworthy is the context in which it occurred. Covington had accepted the fight on short notice, stepping in for Buckley’s originally scheduled opponent, Ian Machado Garry. This kind of flexibility is commendable, reflecting the inherent unpredictability of the fight game. Despite Covington’s experience and reputation, the bout offered a clear illustration of the new wave of talent emerging in the welterweight division.
From the onset of the fight, Buckley demonstrated a diverse range of striking techniques, employing effective combinations that targeted both Covington’s head and body. His striking accuracy was evident, landing 81 significant strikes compared to Covington’s 71. A pivotal moment in the fight occurred at the end of the first round, where Buckley dropped Covington with a powerful right hand, nearly concluding the fight prematurely. This moment set the tone for the remainder of the match, showcasing Buckley’s striking supremacy.
Moreover, Buckley’s ability to thwart Covington’s takedown attempts illustrated not only his striking capabilities but also his grappling defense. Covington’s failure to secure take-downs—managing only one out of eight attempts—further emphasized the chasm between the two fighters in this confrontation. As Buckley secured his victory, he positioned himself at the pinnacle of the division, while Covington seemed a shadow of his former self.
In the aftermath of his victory, Buckley’s call-out for his next potential opponents—namely Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and current champion Belal Muhammad—reflects a bold and ambitious mindset that is characteristic of today’s fighters. Engaging the crowd and demonstrating an awareness of the division’s landscape, Buckley’s preference for Usman is particularly intriguing. With Usman having been absent from the Octagon since October 2023, a matchup between him and Buckley could serve as a significant crossroads fight, determining whether Usman can still compete at a high level or if Buckley is indeed ready to grasp the championship belt.
In contrast, the older generation of welterweights, including those like Usman, Masvidal, and Covington, find themselves at critical junctures in their careers. Masvidal’s announcement of a comeback signifies a desire to reclaim past glory, yet questions remain about how effective he can be at age 40. Meanwhile, rising stars such as Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry are swiftly taking their places within the rankings, widening the pool of talent and competitive firepower within the division.
As we conclude 2024, one thing is abundantly clear: Joaquin Buckley is not just another contender; he is a testament to the depth and dynamism of the welterweight division. With a record of 3-0 for the year, including knockouts of major names like Covington and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, Buckley is poised to make waves in future title discussions. As the older generation of welterweights navigates their twilight years, Buckley and his contemporaries signify an invigorating future for the sport, capturing the attention of fans and elevating the competitive stakes in a division that remains one of the most thrilling in the UFC.
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