Welterweight fighter Joaquin Buckley promised a spectacular performance at UFC Tampa, and he sure did deliver.
The welterweight bout was the main event fight of UFC Tampa, and it was a night to remember for Covington, who suffered a shameful defeat at the hands of Buckley. The first round began with a solid head kick from Covington. Buckley quickly responds with a right to the body. Covington delivered a jab, and Buckley answered with a leg kick and left hook. The two continued to exchange blows before Covington went in for an unsuccessful takedown.
Buckley delivered a savage uppercut that left a gash under “Chaos” right eye, but he was still in the game. Buckley gave no leeway and continued to pepper his opponent with body shots and a one-two combo. Covington responded with a jab and low kick,, but Buckley was quick with his responses and continued to blast the former interim champ with body shots until the round ended.
Round two continued the same way, with Buckley assaulting Covington with a barrage of body shots and punches. Fortunately, Covington soon got his head in the game and scored a takedown, but Buckley was soon back on his feet. Buckley continued to hammer down on Covington, landed a double jab, and deepened the cut on his face.
Covington managed to remain in the round, but by the third round, Buckley was giving no allowances and continued his onslaught. Blood continued to stream down the fighter’s face, and a doctor was soon called to take a look at the eyes. The report wasn’t favourable, and the fight was stopped despite Covington’s protest. The fight ended with a TKO win for Buckley, but it seems Covington is not out of the woods yet, as the ringside physician revealed that the fighter might lose his eyelid due to his injury.
The tournament also had some highlights, but only two bouts won bonuses for their performances. Billy Quarantillo and Cub Swanson received $50,000 for their back-and-forth slugfest. The bout ended with Swanson emerging victorious after delivering a killer blow in the third round. The next was the slow fight between Dustin Jacoby and Vitor Petrino. The two initially began with slow-paced steps but it soon picked up and ended with a knockout win for Jacoby and a $50,000 bonus for him and his opponent, Petrino.
Main card
Joaquin Buckley def. Colby Covington via third-round TKO
Cub Swanson def. Billy Quarantillo via third-round KO
Manel Kape def. Bruno Silva via third-round TKO
Dustin Jacoby def. Vitor Petrino via third-round KO
Daniel Marcos def. Adrian Yanez via split decision
Navajo Stirling def. Tuco Tokkos via unanimous decision
Preliminary Card
Michael Johnson def. Ottman Azaitar via second-round KO
Joel Alvarez def. Drakkar Klose via first-round KO
Sean Woodson def. Fernando Padilla via first-round TKO
Felipe Lima def. Miles Johns via unanimous decision
Miranda Maverick def. Jamey-Lyn Horth via unanimous decision
Davey Grant def. Ramon Taveras via unanimous decision
Piera Rodriguez def. Josefine Knutsson via unanimous decision
