A welterweight fight with title implications is scheduled for Saturday night at UFC Tampa.
Former interim champion Colby Covington will look to get himself back into contention in his first fight back since suffering a lopsided defeat to Leon Edwards in December when they battled for UFC gold.
Joaquin Buckley was originally set to headline against Ian Machado Garry, but the Irishman was ultimately given a fight on short notice against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310.
Now Covington has stepped in and given him the opportunity to earn the best win of his career.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Bloody Elbow staff predicts the main event of UFC Tampa
Jordan Ellis: “I think we're going to see passing the guard at UFC Tampa. Colby Covington's wrestling is still good enough to earn him a decision win against a bunch of top welterweights, but Joaquin Buckley might not be one of them. I'm only impressed with 'New Mansa' at 170 pounds, so I just can't compete with him on this one.”
Prediction: Joaquin Buckley by KO
Donagh Corby: “It's a fascinating match of skills between Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley on Saturday night. The smart bet would be a five-round Covington decision where he wrestles and dominates, but there are a number of factors that make this a difficult choice. Namely the combination of Buckley's ability to find big concussions and Covington's questionable chin. This reminds me of the Deontay Wilder fights of old, and I will always take the safer bet in these types of fights.
Prediction: Colby Covington by decision.
Jamie Theodosi: “Although Colby Covington has been declining for a while, he wouldn't have entered this fight if he hadn't seen a clear path to victory. Joaquin Buckley is the much more athletic fighter and better striker, but I think Covington could ultimately control this fight against the cage for most of the 25 minutes.
Prediction: Colby Covington by decision.
James Sweetnam: “Joaquin Buckley should go into his matchup with Colby Covington as the big favorite. After all, he has won his last five, compared to 'Chaos', who is coming off a big loss to Leon Edwards. But with such a colossal defeat weighing heavily on him, the polarizing character knows he must deliver or risk being eliminated from the title picture forever. Therefore, assuming he still has something left in the tank, I'm going to back Covington to get the job done on points.
Prediction: Colby Covington by decision.
Tom Llewellyn: “Although Colby Covington claims his years-long absence from UFC has only served to fuel his desire to regain control of the welterweight title, the fire that burns in 'New Mansa' has been burning much brighter and much more intense. . Since dropping down to 170 pounds, Joaquin Buckley has put several UFC legends to sleep on the canvas; and I predict the Missouri native will add the former interim champion to that list on Sunday morning – Joaquin Buckley via a MAGA-nificant KO.
Prediction: Joaquin Buckley by KO
Curtis Calhoun: “Colby Covington will take a cautious approach early in response to Buckley's explosiveness on the feet. In round 2, Covington will find his timing with his wrestling and start to control Joaquin Buckley and stop his progress. While Buckley will rally late with some big hits, Covington will get the nod on the scorecards and pull out a win.”
Prediction: Colby Covington by decision
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