Joaquin Buckley Concludes Strong 2024 With Dominant Win over Colby Covington

Joaquin Buckley didn’t have much prep time to get ready for his battle with Colby Covington on Saturday in Tampa, Florida. Buckley, who was making his fourth trip to the octagon in 2024, was originally supposed to fight Ian Machado Garry. But everything was scrambled after UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad suffered a toe injury, according to MMAfighting latest news.
Covington, who hadn’t fought in a year, agreed to return and take on the surging Buckley. If Covington’s goal was to prove he wasn’t old or slow anymore, he didn’t find a way to beat the accusations. Buckley dominated from the opening bell, scoring a knockdown toward the end of the first round.
While Covington was saved by the bell, the cut that opened up above his eye would ultimately prove to be his downfall. Covington was never able to employ his cardio-backed wrestling attack. He only landed one of eight takedown attempts.
The doctor stepped in and stopped the fight with 18 seconds left in the third round due to significant bleeding and the severity of the cut. Buckley is on a six-fight winning streak and wrapped up 2024 with a 4-0 mark. Buckley called out another aging welterweight, former champion Kamaru Usman, for his next fight.
Cub Swanson Leaves Them Wanting More

Cub Swanson, 40, would like to keep his promise to his wife. He told her before his spectacular knockout of Billy Quarantillo that this fight may be his last one. But after Swanson picked up his first knockout win since 2021, he may be having second thoughts about hanging it up.
MMA breaking news shows that Swanson’s interview with Michael Bisping shows he may be leaning toward having one more fight. UFC CEO Dana White may not have a choice after how well Swanson fought against Quarantillo.
“I kind of told my wife this would be the last one, so we’ll see,” Swanson said. “I’m kind of old, guys. I want to say I appreciate you letting a 40-year-old dad come out and entertain you.”
Kape Dazzles in Return

Manel Kape was involved in one of the most shameful fights in UFC history earlier this season. Kape and Muhammad Mokaev did more fighting in the lead-up to the fight than they did in the cage. But the best MMA news sites show that Kape wasn’t going to make that mistake again against Bruno Gustavo da Silva.
Kape showed off his flashy striking throughout the night and had Silva on his heels. Kape was slowed down during the second round when he absorbed a kick below the belt. However, Kape shook off the pain and won by knockout in the third round thanks to an aggressive combination of punches following a kick of his own that may have been below the belt.
Kape called for a shot at the UFC flyweight title after the fight. He may get his wish.
Dustin Jacoby Pulls Out Magic KO
The battle for the knockout of the year in the UFC was likely settled at UFC 300 last April. However, Dustin Jacoby put his name in the hat for the honor during the promotion’s last event of the year. Jacoby stood and traded punches with Vitor Petrino for three rounds.
It is likely that Jacoby was behind on the cards late in the fight. Jacoby landed a vicious cross that put Petrino out right away. This was a momentous win for Jacoby, who had lost four of his previous five fights in the promotion. Petrino has finished in two consecutive fights after starting his career 11-0.
Michael Johnson Wants to Keep Fighting
Michael Johnson, 38, has won three of his past four fights. Despite a 23-19 career record, Johnson believes he can still make a run to the top of the lightweight devision. Johnson took his time after knocking out Ottman Azaitar to give a nice tribute to his family.
Instead of talking about who he wants to fight next, Johnson thanked his family for sometimes making 15-hour drives to see him fight. While Johnson, who is 23-19 in his career, may never see a title fight, he can still entertain fans.
Johnson has fought a number of top fighters during his career. Johnson’s best win was a first-round win over future interim champion Dustin Poirier in 2016.
Joel Álvarez May Need to Get a Number Next to His Name
UFC featherweight Ilia Topuria has set the standard for Spanish fighters who finish their opponents. Fellow Spaniard Joel Álvarez is building up a similar profile. Álvarez landed a vicious flying knee to put Drakkar Klose out cold in the first round.
It was a unique knockout as Álvarez initially went to put Klose in a chokehold following the knee. However, Klose was already out, so Álvarez’s follow-up shots emphasized to the referee that the fight was over.
Only one of Álvarez’s 25 career fights has gone the distance. Álvarez has picked up consecutive knockout wins thanks to his ability to knee opponents.
Woodson Grabs Quick Victory
Fernando Padilla attempted to get into a brawl with Sean Woodson. It was a poor decision for the Mexican fighter during a featherweight battle. Woodson used his excellent accuracy to wobble Padilla early in the first round.
During the rest of the fight, Woodson picked his spots and landed power punches. Woodson was able to stop Padilla with only seconds remaining in the first round.
Here’s a look at the results of the other fight not mentioned above:
Bantamweight, Daniel Marcos win by split decision over Adrian Yanez, Marcos (30-27, 29-28) Yanez (29-28)
Light Heavyweight, Navajo Stirling win by decision over Tuco Tokkos, 30-27 (x3)
Featherweight, Felipe Lima win by decision over Miles Johns, 30-27 (x3)
Women’s flyweight, Miranda Maverick win by decision over Jamey-Lyn Horth, 29-28 (x3)
Bantamweight, Davey Grant win by decision over Ramon Taveras, 30-27 (x2), 29-28
Women’s strawweight, Piera Rodriguez win by decision over Josefine Lindgren Knutsson, 30-27 (x3)
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By Dean McHugh.