The upcoming UFC fight between Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley is set to headline UFC on ESPN 63 on December 14, 2024, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. This matchup has garnered significant attention in the welterweight division.
The US-born Colby Covington has a record of 17-4 in MMA and 12-4 in the UFC. On the other side, we have Joaquin Buckley, who boasts a record of 20-6 in MMA and 10-4 in the UFC.
Currently, Joaquin Buckley is favored to win the fight, with odds of -175. This means that if you were to bet $175 on Buckley, you would potentially win $100 if he emerges victorious. On the other hand, Colby Covington is the underdog in this matchup, with odds of +150. One of the best ways to play is ufc betting with bitcoin right here.
These odds suggest that bookmakers and bettors view Buckley as the more likely winner, giving him about a 63.64% chance of victory compared to Covington's 40% chance. This perception is likely influenced by Buckley's recent impressive performances in the welterweight division, including his knockout win over Stephen Thompson, as well as Covington's recent losses in title fights.
'Choas' Covington is a seasoned veteran in the welterweight division. He's known for his high-pressure wrestling style and relentless cardio. However, Covington has faced some setbacks in recent years, particularly in title fights against Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards, both champions. His last fight was a unanimous decision loss to Edwards in December 2023, and he's looking to bounce back from that defeat.
Buckley has been on an impressive run since moving down to the welterweight division, winning five consecutive fights. His most recent victory was a knockout win over former title challenger Stephen Thompson at UFC 307 in October 2024. This win has propelled Buckley into contender status and set up this high-stakes matchup with Covington.
The stakes are high for both fighters. For Covington, this fight represents an opportunity to reassert himself in the welterweight division and potentially work his way back to title contention. For Joaquin Buckley, a win over a former interim champion and multiple-time title challenger like Covington would solidify his position as a top contender in the division.
Covington is known for his wrestling-heavy approach and high-volume striking. However, some analysts, like former two-division champion Henry Cejudo, believe that Covington's style has become predictable. Cejudo suggests that if opponents can stop Covington's takedowns, they can find success against him.
Joaquin Buckley, on the other hand, is praised for his striking ability and how he covers distance in the octagon. He's known for his double feints and his ability to close the distance effectively. His recent knockout victory over Thompson showcases his dangerous striking power.
This matchup presents an interesting clash of styles. Covington will likely look to use his wrestling to control the fight, while Buckley will aim to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking advantage. The outcome of this fight could have significant implications for the welterweight division's title picture.