Tampa to Host High-Stakes Welterweight Showdown at UFC Fight Night
On Saturday, December 16, 2024, the city of Tampa, Florida, will welcome a thrilling evening of mixed martial arts as the UFC closes out its year with an exhilarating fight card headlined by a highly anticipated matchup in the welterweight division. Colby Covington, a former title challenger, will face off against the rising star Joaquin Buckley at the Amalie Arena.
Who Are the Fighters?
The main event features Colby Covington (17-4), known for his aggressive fighting style and wrestling background. Covington, 36, is eager to make a statement after a year-long layoff following his title shot against Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December 2023. His experience in high-pressure situations, with an impressive record of 16-1 in non-title bouts, positions him as a formidable opponent.
On the other side of the octagon is the 30-year-old Joaquin Buckley (20-6), who has been enjoying a surge in momentum since moving to the welterweight division. Buckley has achieved five consecutive wins, showcasing his knockout power, most recently demonstrating this with a stunning leaping right hand that took down Stephen Thompson at UFC 307.
What is the Fight Card?
The event will feature a packed lineup of exciting matchups alongside the main event. The main card kicks off at 10 p.m. ET and includes several standout fights:
- Welterweight: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley
- Featherweight: Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo
- Flyweight: Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva
- Light Heavyweight: Vitor Petrino vs. Dustin Jacoby
- Bantamweight: Adrian Yanez vs. Daniel Marcos
- Light Heavyweight: Navajo Stirling vs. Tuco Tokkos
The preliminary card, starting at 7 p.m. ET, features additional bouts that include:
- Lightweight: Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar
- Lightweight: Joel Álvarez vs. Drakkar Klose
- Featherweight: Sean Woodson vs. Fernando Padilla
- Featherweight: Miles Johns vs. Felipe Lima
- Women’s Flyweight: Miranda Maverick vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth
- Bantamweight: Davey Grant vs. Ramon Taveras
- Women’s Strawweight: Josefine Knutsson vs. Piera Rodriguez
Where and When to Watch
The excitement of UFC Fight Night can be caught live on ESPN2 and ESPN+. Fans are encouraged to tune in at 7 p.m. ET for the preliminary bouts, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET. Additionally, for those seeking live updates for every UFC card, FightCenter will provide a valuable resource.
Why This Event Matters
This fight night marks a critical juncture for both Covington and Buckley in the welterweight division. For Covington, it provides a chance to reclaim his footing after a hiatus, while for Buckley, a victory could solidify his status among the top contenders. Fans can expect fierce competition and high-level drama, promising an unforgettable night of fights in Tampa.
