UFC Tampa: Covington vs. Buckley Fight Card, Predictions, & Odds

The final fight card of the UFC in 2024 will feature a welterweight fight between ranked welterweight contenders Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley inside the Amalie Arena in Tampa on Dec. 14.

Despite being a former UFC interim welterweight champion, Covington heads into the match as the betting underdog with +225 UFC odds. On the other hand, Buckley, who rides a five-fight win streak, will be the -280 betting favorite at BetMGM’s online sportsbook.

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley Odds

• Colby Covington: +225
• Joaquin Buckley: -280

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley: Prediction

I predict that Buckley will get a TKO/KO finish against Covington because of his outstanding power, especially from his punches. This power has helped him finish three of his five opponents in the welterweight division.

Buckley will also enjoy a 4-inch reach advantage against Covington, which is crucial in landing his punches. This could nullify Covington’s 3-inch height and 1-inch leg reach advantage. Stylistically, it’ll be a classic battle between a striker and a grappler.

Covington is known for his elite-level wrestling background. He was a former NCAA Division I wrestler during his collegiate days. Additionally, his incredible stamina allows him to dominate his opponents with relentless, nonstop takedowns.

Meanwhile, Buckley is a striker with heavy hands and pinpoint accuracy. Once he tags his opponents, it’s almost over for them because he immediately jumps in for the finish. Also, he’s got decent takedown defense, which could be handy in defending the attack from Covington.

The primary factors heading into the match are Covington’s age and activity inside the octagon. This could spell the difference because he has only fought five times in the past five years, plus he’s already 36 years old and almost past his prime.

If Covington fails to take Buckely down in this match, his chances of winning will be slim, as the latter will be happy to stand and bang with him on his feet. Furthermore, he needs to shake off the octagon rust after going on a year of sabbatical.

Colby Covington Recent Fight Results

Covington was the former UFC welterweight champion who competed in three UFC title fights but fell short of becoming the undisputed king of the weight class. Despite these credentials, he lost three of his last five fights.

During that five-fight stretch, Covington dropped two fights to Kamaru Usman and a fight with Leon Edwards. His wins were against Tyron Woodley and Jorge Masvidal. Other notable athletes he scored victories against were Bryan Barberena, Demian Maia, and Rafael Dos Anjos.

Joaquin Buckley Recent Fight Results

Buckley, a former Bellator and LFA fighter, joined the UFC in 2020. He first competed in the middleweight division and had a decent record of five wins and four losses in the 185-pound weight class.

In 2023, Buckley moved down to the welterweight division, which has paid him massive dividends. Since then, he hasn’t dropped a fight, as he defeated Andre Fialho, Alex Morono, Vicente Luque, Nursulton Ruziboev, and most recently, Stephen Thompson.

Wheels up to Tampa 🛫

Our last fight card of the year is on the way!

[ B2YB: @StakeUSA | #UFCTampa ] pic.twitter.com/jJRGcMNVwe

— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2024

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley: Tale of the Tape