As 2023 draws to a close, the UFC is set to deliver an electrifying main event featuring welterweights Ian Machado Garry and Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night on December 14th. Taking place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, this matchup promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the UFC’s calendar year. Fresh off the news of welterweight champion Belal Muhammad’s inability to defend his title against the unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, the UFC has seized this opportunity to present a fight with significant implications in the welterweight division.
A Changing Landscape Post-Muhammad
Belal Muhammad’s withdrawal from UFC 310 casts a shadow over the title landscape, particularly since it has left potential title shots up in the air. Rakhmonov’s future in that event remains uncertain, and with Garry and Buckley set to clash the following week, it seems neither fighter will step in to fill the title bout void. This raises questions for fans and fighters alike about how the UFC will navigate the welterweight division moving forward. With the bout between Garry and Buckley confirmed, anticipation builds around who will emerge victorious and set themselves up for a title shot in the near future.
Ian Machado Garry enters the fight with an impressive undefeated record of 15-0 and holds the distinction of being ranked seventh among welterweights by the UFC. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Garry is not only known for his technical skills but also for his charisma and fan-friendly fighting style. His recent performance against Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303 showcased his ability to dominate seasoned fighters, further solidifying his status as a serious contender. His desire to face Rakhmonov has made headlines, but the UFC’s decision to delay this bout adds tension to his fight with Buckley.
On the flip side, Joaquin Buckley is not to be overlooked. With a record of 20-6, Buckley has risen through the ranks to claim the ninth spot in the welterweight division. His return to the 170-pound category has proven fruitful, with five consecutive victories since May 2023. Buckley’s knockout victory over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson at UFC 307 was not just a win; it was a statement that marked him as a legitimate force within the welterweight landscape. Training out of St. Louis, Missouri, he brings raw power and explosive striking that could prove pivotal in this matchup against Garry.
The Stakes at Amalie Arena
As the UFC gears up for this much-anticipated event, both fighters have a lot on the line. A win for Garry could set him on a direct path to a title shot, while a victory for Buckley would not only enhance his standing in the rankings but also further establish him as a serious title contender. The matchup not only promises fireworks inside the Octagon but will also serve to reshape the hierarchy of the welterweight division as we head into 2024. UFC fans are sure to be glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting to see who will leave the arena as the night’s victor and the implications that will follow.