UFC 310 may still be in our immediate rearview mirror, but MMA fans around the world are already looking forward to next week's event, which means the final card of the year in Tampa, Florida.
The final UFC event of 2024 will feature a pair of outspoken welterweights in the main event, with promotional veteran and former title challenger Gilbert Burns now sharing his thoughts on the matchup.
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Gilbert Burns shares his thoughts on UFC Tampa's main event: Covington vs Buckley
The two welterweights headlined by UFC Tampa, former interim champion Colby 'Chaos' Covington and rising contender Joaquin 'New Mansa' Buckley, couldn't be further apart in terms of form.
On the one hand, Buckley is on a five-fight win streak, including three major victories already this year, while Covington is 2-2 in his last four and hasn't competed in exactly 12 months.
Gilbert 'Durinho' Burns is someone who knows both fighters and their skills quite well, with the popular Brazilian speaking to Submission Radio about the upcoming showdown in his home state.
“I think Buckley is in the best momentum right now, but [wrestling]that's Buckley's kryptonite – one of my favorite teammates is Logan Storley, interim Bellator champion, he fought Buckley and Logan just outsmarted him.
“He just took him down, knocked him to the ground, took him down again, beat him up with ground-and-pound – and that's something Colby can really do.”
Burns is in regular contact with the trainers at MMA Masters, Covington's home gym, and according to the Brazilian, there are very few athletes who can match Chaos' work ethic.
“Colby is always in training, I know those guys from MMA Masters, they say he's always in the gym, always training and always in shape… I think Colby can give Buckley a lot of problems, with that crazy pace can continue to bring it down.
“Buckley is a big guy with a lot of muscle. If Buckley can't get Colby out in the first or second round, I think Colby will overwhelm him and beat him up. Colby can get a dominant decision victory, or Buckley can get a quick victory. knocked out in the first.”
As of this writing, Buckley is the moderate favorite; 75% of Tapology Community Picks choose 'New Mansa'.
While Burns noted that he will root for Buckley on Dec. 14, he ultimately predicted that Covington — if his coaches are telling the truth — can “100%” pull off the victory.
UFC Tampa: Covington vs Buckley rounds out 2024 for the promotion
UFC Tampa represents the final event of 2024 for the global MMA leader, with a total of 13 fights to round out the year in style.
Barring any last-minute changes or fight cancellations, the Florida broadcast will feature the following bouts.
- Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley
- Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo
- Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva
- Dustin Jacoby vs. Vitor Petrino
- Daniel Marcos vs. Adrian Yanez
- Navajo Stirling vs. Tuco Tukkos
- Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar
- Drakkar Klose vs. Joel Alvarez
- Sean Woodson vs. Fernando Padilla
- Miles Johns vs. Felipe Lima
- Miranda Maverick vs. Jamey Lyn-Horth
- Davey Grant vs. Ramon Taveras
- Piera Rodriguez vs. Josefine Knutsson
UFC Tampa: Covington vs Buckley takes place on Saturday, December 14 starting at 7:00 PM ET.
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