In the world of mixed martial arts, particularly the UFC’s welterweight division, change is an undeniable constant. Joaquin Buckley has emerged as a bright star in this evolving landscape, and after his remarkable victory over former interim champion Colby Covington, he has asserted himself as a key player in the welterweight hierarchy. Buckley, whose record now stands at 21 wins and 6 losses, has powered his way to a six-fight winning streak, a streak that culminated in a decisive third-round TKO against Covington at the UFC’s final event of 2024 held in Tampa, Florida. This pivotal fight not only highlights Buckley’s striking prowess but also marks a significant point in the welterweight narrative, where legacy fighters are slowly ceding the spotlight to a new generation.
The bout unfolded with drama typical of high-stakes matchups in the UFC, wrapping up at the 4:42 mark of the third round when a cageside physician intervened due to Covington sustaining a troubling cut above his right eye. This stoppage reflects the harsh reality of fight medicine but also the effectiveness of Buckley’s offense. From the onset, it was evident that Buckley had the upper hand, landing 81 strikes to Covington’s 71. Importantly, Buckley’s precision and power led to consistent body and head shots that destabilized his opponent’s game plan. Buckley’s performance was not just about the numbers; it was about control and aggression. He notably dropped Covington with a precise right hand at the end of the first round, which served as a harbinger of what was to come.
On the other side of the Octagon, Covington’s journey appears to be in a precarious situation. Known for his brash personality and entertaining pre-fight antics, including his collaboration with wrestling luminaries like Hulk Hogan and Chael Sonnen, Covington’s actual performance painted a different picture. Despite his status as a mainstay in the welterweight ranks, Covington has struggled recently, posting a dismal 1-3 record in his last four outings, with the most recent victory over Jorge Masvidal extending back to March 2022. This raises questions about his future, especially as he accepted this fight on short notice after an unexpected reshuffle within the division.
Buckley’s victory signals not only the rise of a new contender but also the fading of an older generation of fighters. The likes of Kamaru Usman, who has lost three consecutive fights, and Jorge Masvidal, who announced retirement and then hinted at a comeback at 40, symbolize the transitional phase the welterweight division is currently navigating. The hierarchy is shifting with young talents like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, and Jack Della Maddalena rapidly climbing the ranks. Buckley’s statement during the post-fight interview, where he expressed an eagerness to face either Usman, Leon Edwards, or Belal Muhammad next, underscores his ambition and the unpredictability of matchmaking in this volatile weight class.
As Buckley champions the torch for a new generation, the potential matchups that lie ahead are tantalizing. His impressive 3-0 record for the year, including victories against top-tier fighters like Covington and the accomplished Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, leaves fans clamoring for more. A face-off against Usman appears to be the most alluring option, given Usman’s storied past and Buckley’s burgeoning legacy. However, should Buckley continue to perform at this level, he could soon find himself in a title contention scenario, accelerating his trajectory through one of MMA’s most competitive divisions.
Joaquin Buckley stands at the crossroads of unprecedented opportunity and formidable challenge. With the welterweight division transforming rapidly, the story of Buckley and his contemporaries is one of reinvention and resilience. As veteran fighters gradually step aside, Buckley and his peers are ready to take the reins. As 2024 draws to a close, the anticipation for the new title challengers is palpable—not only does Buckley have the chance to establish his name among the elite, but he also embodies the future of the welterweight division, signaling a fresh chapter in UFC history that fans eagerly await.