UFC Tampa is set to take place on December 14, 2024, at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The event features a highly anticipated welterweight main event between former interim champion Colby Covington and rising star Joaquin Buckley, promising significant implications for the title picture in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Main Event: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley
- Co-Main Event: Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo
- Fight Card Highlights: Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva, Vitor Petrino vs. Dustin Jacoby
Main Event Breakdown: Covington vs. Buckley
Colby Covington (17-4) returns to the octagon after a unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards, looking to prove he still belongs among the elite at 170 pounds. Covington, known for his relentless wrestling and cardio, faces Joaquin Buckley (20-6), who is on a five-fight win streak, including notable knockouts over Stephen Thompson and Vicente Luque.
Fighter Profiles:
| Fighter | Record | Age | Height | Reach | Striking Accuracy | Takedown Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colby Covington | 17-4 | 36 | 5’11" | 72" | 38% | 3.79 |
| Joaquin Buckley | 20-6 | 30 | 5’10" | 76" | 36% | 1.96 |
Covington’s last victory against an active UFC fighter was in 2018, raising questions about his current form. Buckley, on the other hand, has emerged as a formidable striker, boasting a significant reach advantage and knockout power. The fight is expected to be a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with Buckley looking to keep the fight standing while Covington aims to utilize his wrestling.
Co-Main Event: Swanson vs. Quarantillo
In the co-main event, veteran Cub Swanson (29-14) faces Billy Quarantillo (18-6) in a featherweight clash. Swanson, at 41, is still a dangerous striker with a wealth of experience, while Quarantillo, 36, is known for his high-volume striking and aggressive style.
Fighter Profiles:
| Fighter | Record | Age | Height | Reach | Striking Accuracy | Takedown Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 29-14 | 41 | 5’8" | 70" | 50% | 1.04 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 18-6 | 36 | 5’10" | 70" | 56% | 1.24 |
Swanson’s experience and boxing skills will be tested against Quarantillo’s pace and volume. Both fighters are coming off losses, making this bout crucial for their careers.
Other Notable Fights on the Card
- Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva: A flyweight bout featuring Kape, who is looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance, against Silva, who is on a four-fight finishing streak.
- Vitor Petrino vs. Dustin Jacoby: A light heavyweight clash where Petrino aims to recover from his first career loss against the seasoned Jacoby.
- Adrian Yanez vs. Daniel Marcos: A bantamweight matchup that promises fireworks, with both fighters known for their striking abilities.
Predictions
- Covington vs. Buckley: Covington is expected to leverage his wrestling to secure a late submission victory.
- Swanson vs. Quarantillo: Swanson may edge out a decision in a closely contested bout.
UFC Tampa promises to deliver an exciting night of fights, with implications that could shape the future of several divisions. Fans can tune in to watch the action live on ESPN2 and ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET for the prelims and 10 p.m. ET for the main card.
Sources
- UFC Tampa preview: ‘Covington vs. Buckley’ predictions – MMAmania.com, MMAmania.com.
- UFC Tampa: Best betting props, parlays and picks | Covington vs. Buckley – MMAmania.com, MMAmania.com.
- UFC Tampa main card odds, breakdowns and predictions | X-Factor – MMAmania.com, MMAmania.com.
- Live: UFC Tampa media day video | Covington vs. Buckley – MMAmania.com, MMAmania.com.
- Live: UFC Tampa early weigh ins video results | Covington vs. Buckley – MMAmania.com, MMAmania.com.
