A new wave of welterweights is rising in the UFC, and Joaquin Buckley is firmly at the forefront after extending his winning streak to six with a convincing third-round TKO of former interim champion Colby Covington. This bout, which headlined the UFC’s last event of 2024 in Tampa, Florida, concluded at 4:42 of the round when a cageside physician stepped in due to a cut above Covington’s right eye.
Following his victory, Buckley engaged the crowd at Amalie Arena, suggesting potential future opponents, including Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and current champion Belal Muhammad. Buckley leaned towards a matchup with Usman, who has not been in the Octagon since October 2023 and currently lacks a scheduled opponent.
Covington, who took the fight on short notice after Buckley’s original opponent was shifted to a five-round matchup, has been a staple in the welterweight rankings but recently struggled, holding a 1-3 record in his last four bouts. His most recent victory dates back to March 2022 against Jorge Masvidal.
In a spectacle that featured pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and former UFC competitor Chael Sonnen during his entrance, Covington fell short in the ring. UFC Stats indicate that while he landed 71 strikes compared to Buckley’s 81, the power behind his strikes was lacking. Despite numerous attempts to take Buckley down, Covington secured only one takedown out of eight tries.
Buckley demonstrated versatility and precision, effectively combining punches to both the body and head of Covington. Notably, he knocked Covington down at the end of the first round and inflicted the cut that ultimately led to the fight’s stoppage.
The welterweight division appears to be at a crossroads, with veteran fighters like Covington and Usman near the end of their competitive careers. Usman has suffered three consecutive losses, and Masvidal, a fan favorite, has announced a return to competition at 40 after retiring last year. Meanwhile, rising stars such as Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, Jack Della Maddalena, and now Buckley are seizing opportunities to ascend the rankings.
As Buckley wraps up 2024 with a 3-0 record, including notable knockouts of Covington and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, the future looks bright for him and the new generation of UFC welterweights.
This article’s focus on Buckley’s rise highlights the changing dynamics within the welterweight division, suggesting excitement for future matchups and a fresh competitive landscape in the UFC.