Five reasons to watch UFC Tampa as Colby Covington returns against knockout man Joaquin Buckley

Colby Covington faces Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa. Photo: Super Lutas montage

Welterweights Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley will be the protagonists of UFC Tampa, which takes place this Saturday (14), in the USA. The confrontation between the two marks the end of the organization's calendar in 2024 and has direct implications in the Top 10 of the category up to 77,1 Kg.

While Covington brings his experience as a former interim champion of the division and an elite grappling game, Buckley arrives riding an impressive winning streak, standing out alongside light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) Alex Poatan as one of the organization's greatest knockout artists today.

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How to watch UFC Tampa, with Covington vs. Buckley and three Brazilians in action. LIVE on TV and online

UFC Tampa still features three Brazilians. On the main card, flyweight (up to 56,7 kg) Bruno Bulldoguinho and light heavyweight Vitor Petrino will face important duels against Manel Kape and Dustin Jacoby, respectively. On the preliminary card, featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) Felipe Lima will face Miles Johns.

O SUPER FIGHTS listed five reasons not to miss the last UFC of 2024. Check it out!

Colby Covington is back

Colby Covington lost at UFC 296. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC

At 36 years old, Colby Covington returns after almost a year without fighting. He was defeated by Leon Edwards in the welterweight title fight (up to 77,1 kg) on ​​December 17, 2023, at UFC 296. 'Chaos' last victory was against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, which even generated... a controversial confusion between the two, with Covington being attacked in an establishment by the 'Jesus of the Streets'.

Currently ranked 6th in the welterweight division, Colby Covington is known as one of the best grapplers in the division. He holds second place in takedowns in the history of the category, having taken down his opponents 69 times in total. His impressive ability to pressure in the clinch and in wrestling is complemented by remarkable physical stamina.

In addition to wrestling, the American also stands out for his high volume of strikes in stand-up fighting. He holds the record for significant strikes landed in a fight in the welterweight division, having landed 179 against Robbie Lawler, demonstrating skill in maintaining pressure with consistent combinations.

In addition to his trademark trash talk, Covington is a problem for much of the division – especially against fighters who lack good takedown defense and can't handle constant pressure.

Joaquin Buckley, the knockout man

Joaquin Buckley in action at UFC Las Vegas 73. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Seven knockouts in the UFC since 2020, tied for the most in that period with Alex Poatan. This is Joaquin Buckley. The fighter gained fame in the UFC with one of the most devastating knockouts in the organization's history: a spinning kick against Impa Kasanganay that became unforgettable for any MMA fan. Since then, he has been consolidating his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters on his feet.

The American is known for being explosive and having the ability to decide a fight with just one punch. He possesses a striking style that combines precision and brute force, along with good movement. When he attacks, he is effective in ground and pound situations, as shown in the fight against Nursulton Ruziboev, where he landed 71 significant strikes on the ground.

With a five-fight winning streak since his move, “New Mansa” has proven he can compete at a high level against opponents of varying skill levels. Now, he looks to secure a win against Covington to solidify his position as one of the top names in the division.

Bulldoguinho can take an important step towards the belt

Bruno Bulldoguinho faces Portuguese fighter Manel Kape at UFC Tampa. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

At 34 years old, Bruno Bulldoguinho from Piracicaba faces Portuguese fighter Manel Kape on the main card of UFC Tampa. Even after almost two years away from the octagon, where he had to deal with a series of injuries, Bulldoguinho returned without feeling the effects of the long period of inactivity and defeated Tyson Nam and Cody Durden in succession, both by stoppage.

The Brazilian has a record of 14 wins, five losses, two draws and one no contest. If he beats Kape this Saturday, the Brazilian, who is ranked 12th, could secure a dream spot in the Top 10 of the flyweight division (up to 56,7kg) and get closer to the elite of the category.

Vitor Petrino in search of recovery

Vitor Petrino faces American Dustin Jacoby at UFC Tampa. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After suffering the first defeat of his career to veteran Anthony Smith at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Vitor Petrino returns to the octagon at UFC Tampa determined to show that the setback was just a blip. To do so, the Brazilian will have to overcome American Dustin Jacoby, who is coming off losses in his last two appearances in the organization.

Fighting in the same division as champion Alex Poatan, light heavyweight (up to 93kg) Vitor Petrino is known for his aggressive and physical style, with a good balance between striking and grappling. He stands out for the power of his strikes, capable of knocking out his opponents, and also for his ability to control the pace of the fight. At 26 years old, the fighter from Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais, has a record of 11 wins and wants to show that the only defeat in his career is already a closed chapter.

Felipe Lima, great Brazilian promise

Felipe Lima is a highly promising Brazilian fighter in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

One of the top revelations of 2024, featherweight (up to 65,7kg) Felipe Lima debuted in the octagon with a beautiful submission victory over Muhammad Naimov at UFC Saudi Arabia. With 13 consecutive wins in his career and only one loss, the Amazonian will do everything to avoid seeing his rise halted by American Miles Johns on the preliminary card of UFC Tampa.

At 26 years old, 'Jungle Boy' has a dynamic and aggressive fighting style, mixing striking with solid grappling and submission techniques, making him a versatile and dangerous opponent in the cage. His striking accuracy is also a key element of his stand-up game.

UFC Tampa technical sheet

Date: December 14, 2024

Working Hours: From 21pm (Brasília time)

Local News: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida, United States

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE Live coverage on Band (main card) on TV and UFC Fight Pass (entire card) online.

MAIN CARD

Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Manel Kape x Bruno “Bulldog” Silva

Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Victor Petrino Dustin Jacoby

Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Adrian Yanez vs. Daniel Marcos

Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Navajo Stirling vs. Tuco Tokkos

PRELIMINARY CARD

Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar

Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Joel Alvarez x Drakkar Klose

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Sean Woodson vs. Fernando Padilla

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Miles Johns x Felipe Lima

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Miranda Maverick x Jamey-Lyn Horth

Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Davey Grant vs. Ramon Taveras

Strawweight (up to 52,1kg): Josefine Knutsson x Piera Rodriguez

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