The stage is set for an electrifying finale to the UFC’s 2024 calendar as Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley successfully made weight for their welterweight clash at UFC Tampa. The event, scheduled for December 14 at Amalie Arena, promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the year’s action-packed MMA schedule.
Covington 🆚 Buckley
The main event for #UFCTampa is locked in ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/PgNPzmlUZh
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 13, 2024
Both Covington and Buckley tipped the scales at 171 pounds, hitting the mark for their non-title welterweight bout13. This matchup carries significant implications for the division, with Covington looking to maintain his relevance in the title picture and Buckley aiming to cement his status as a top contender.
Top Welterweight Contenders Collide
Colby “Chaos” Covington (17-4) enters this fight with a point to prove. The former interim welterweight champion is coming off a disappointing loss to Leon Edwards in his third unsuccessful bid for the undisputed title. At 36, Covington knows that time is of the essence if he hopes to make another run at the belt. His wrestling-heavy style and relentless pace have been his hallmarks, but questions remain about his ability to overcome elite strikers.
On the other side of the Octagon, Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley (20-6) rides a wave of momentum into the biggest fight of his career. Buckley has showcased his explosive striking power and improved grappling defense after a stunning victory over Stephen Thompson. A win over a name like Covington could catapult him into title contention and potentially set up a showdown with the division’s elite in 2025.
Absolutely Stacked Prelims
The co-main event features a featherweight battle between veteran Cub Swanson and the surging Billy Quarantillo, both of whom made weight at 146 pounds. This clash of styles pits Swanson’s experience and well-rounded skill set against Quarantillo’s pressure-heavy approach and improving striking.
Manel Kape and Bruno Silva are set to face off in a flyweight contest that could have title implications. Kape, who weighed in at 125 pounds, looks to continue his ascent in the division, while Silva, at 126 pounds, aims to play spoiler and insert himself into the championship conversation.
In a sport where weight-cutting issues often lead to last-minute changes, it’s noteworthy that all 26 fighters on the card successfully made weight3. This professional approach ensures that fans will be treated to the full slate of scheduled bouts, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
UFC Tampa Weigh-In Results
Main card (ESPN2/ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET)
Colby Covington (171) vs. Joaquin Buckley (171)
Cub Swanson (146) vs. Billy Quarantillo (146)
Manel Kape (125) vs Bruno Silva (126)
Vitor Petrino (204.5) vs. Dustin Jacoby (205.5)
Adrian Yanez (136) vs. Daniel Marcos (136)
Navajo Stirling (206) vs. Tuco Tokkos (206)
Prelims (ESPN2/ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET)
Michael Johnson (156) vs. Ottman Azaitar (156)
Joel Alvarez (156) vs. Drakkar Klose (156)
Sean Woodson (145.5) vs. Fernando Padilla (145)
Miles Johns (146) vs. Felipe Lima (146)
Miranda Maverick (126) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (126)
Davey Grant (136) vs. Ramon Taveras (136)
Josefine Knutsson (116) vs. Piera Rodriguez (116)
