The UFC welterweight division is witnessing a dramatic transformation, marked by the emergence of exceptional talents poised to redefine its landscape. At the forefront of this new wave is Joaquin Buckley, a fighter whose recent performances have solidified his status as a contender to watch. Having secured a remarkable sixth consecutive victory, Buckley delivered a decisive third-round TKO against the storied former interim champion, Colby Covington, at the latest UFC event in Tampa, Florida.
In a bout that headlined the UFC’s concluding card of 2024, Buckley faced Covington, a matchup that generated significant interest. The fight ended at 4:42 of the third round when a cageside physician deemed Covington unable to continue due to a severe cut above his right eye. Buckley’s striking precision and tactical approach were evident throughout the encounter, as he landed 81 strikes compared to Covington’s 71, showcasing his ability to control the exchanges with a mix of head and body attacks.
The situation was particularly challenging for Covington, who accepted this fight on short notice after Buckley’s original opponent, Ian Machado Garry, was moved to face Shavkat Rakhmonov in a five-round clash. Despite his illustrious career and history of being a top contender in the welterweight ranks, Covington’s recent performance revealed a decline, marked by a troubling 1-3 record in his last four bouts. His last victory was recorded over two years ago against Jorge Masvidal, a reminder that the competition in the division continues to grow fiercer.
Immediately following his victory, Buckley embraced the moment, engaging with the Tampa crowd and fishing for potential future opponents. Speculating on who might be next, he mentioned elite fighters like Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and the current champion, Belal Muhammad. “I think it’s Kamaru Usman,” he stated, indicating a preference for a matchup against a former champion who has been inactive since October 2023 and currently has no opponent lined up. This bold call out signifies Buckley’s aspirations not only to climb the ranks but to test himself against the division’s elite.
As Buckley enjoys success, his rise also highlights the transitional phase the welterweight division is undergoing. Longtime stalwarts like Usman and Masvidal appear to be in the twilight of their careers, creating opportunities for emerging fighters to assert themselves. Masvidal notably announced plans to return to the octagon at the age of 40, while Usman, who has suffered three consecutive losses, is also seeking to reclaim his status. This shift creates a vacuum that new contenders, like Buckley, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ian Machado Garry, are ready to fill.
Buckley’s 2024 concludes with an impressive 3-0 record, which includes notable victories over established names like Covington and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. This surge not only underscores his abilities but also his readiness to engage with the top tier of the division’s talent. With fighters like Jack Della Maddalena and Rakhmonov establishing their presence, it is clear that Buckley is among those leading the charge for a new era in welterweight MMA.
As the UFC progresses into 2025, the prospect of Buckley fighting for the title seems increasingly attainable. His blend of striking proficiency and strategic fight IQ positions him as a serious contender in a division once dominated by a few key players. With the right matchups and sustained momentum, Joaquin Buckley’s name could soon be etched alongside the elite in UFC history. The welterweight division is in flux, and Buckley stands poised to seize this opportunity and, perhaps, usher in a new championship era reflective of his skills and determination.
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