Buckley knocks out Colby in the main fight of the last UFC show in 2024

Joaquin Buckley He promised to put on a show in the main fight of UFC Tampa, the company's last event in 2024, and he kept his word. In the attraction held this Saturday (14), the striker took no notice of Colby Covington and knocked him out in the third round (medical interruption). In this way, 'Nem Mansa' achieved the biggest victory of his career and defended his unbeaten record at welterweight (77 kg) in the league.

Going through a great phase in MMA, Buckley, a former member of the middleweight division (84 kg), now has six consecutive victories in the new division and is changing his level in it. By beating Covington, the striker got closer to joining the top-5 in the division. Aware of this, 'New Mansa', without wasting time, challenged Belal Muhammad, champion of the category, Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards. On the other hand, the veteran was dominated in action again, losing the second fight in a row.

Joaquin Buckley, 30 years old, is a promise in MMA and one of the most explosive fighters in the UFC. The American began his career in the sport in 2014 and debuted in the organization in 2020. Currently, 'New Mansa' is ninth in the company's welterweight rankings and has a record made up of 21 victories, 15 of which by knockout, and six defeats. His main triumphs were over Colby Covington, Impa Kasanganay, Nursulton Ruziboev, Stephen Thompson and Vicente Luque.

The fight

Right at the beginning of the fight, Buckley landed powerful punches and kicks on his opponent. With difficulty in his exchange, Covington looked for a takedown, but his opponent defended himself. Confident, the athlete landed a punch on his rival's waistline and one straight to his face. At a disadvantage, Colby launched jabs and specific kicks at his opponent. Again, the veteran tried to take Buckley down, but was unable to take him down. Standing, the striker punished Covington with his crosses, making him bleed.

In the second round, Colby tried to take down his rival, but failed. In response, Buckley continued punching the wrestler's face and waistline. Without giving up, Covington finally took down the striker, but did not control him. With the fight back on its feet, Buckley threw kicks and punches at the veteran. Comfortable in his striking, the athlete landed clean jabs in his opponent's face and provoked him.

In the third round, Buckley did not slow down and remained the aggressor in the fight. Colby even threw a plastic kick, but it didn't hit his opponent. Sovereign in the octagon, Buckley defended the wrestler's takedown attempts and continued to hit with all his might. The athlete even tried to submit his rival, but was unable to do so and ended up underneath him. As Colby was bleeding profusely from his face, the medical team analyzed the professional's situation. Then, the referee decided to end the fight, making Buckley's victory official.

UFC Tampa results:

Joaquin Buckley knocked out Colby Covington in the 3rd round;
Cub Swanson knocked out Billy Quarantillo in the 3rd round;
Manel Kape knocked out Bruno 'Bulldog' in the 3rd round;
Dustin Jacoby KO Victor Petrino in the 3rd round;
Daniel Marcos beat Adrian Yañez by split decision;
Navajo Stirling defeated Tuco Tokkos via unanimous decision;
Michael Johnson knocked out Ottman Azaitar in the 2nd round;
Joel Álvarez knocked out Drakkar Klose in the 1st round;
Sean Woodson knocked out Fernando Padilla in the 1st round;
Felipe Lima beat Miles Johns by unanimous decision;
Miranda Maverick beat Jamey-Lyn Horth by unanimous decision;
Davey Grant defeated Ramon Taveras by unanimous decision;
Piera Rodríguez defeated Josefine Lindgren Knutsson by unanimous decision.