Colby Covington vs Joaquin Buckley: UFC Fight Night

Colby Covington: Current Form

Colby Covington has not had the best of form over the last five years having fought just once per year, losing three of his last five coming into this. The former UFC interim welterweight champion has lost his reputation of being a fighter that uses relentless pressure to break his opponents’ will.

With barely any activity or career momentum over the last five years, you have to wonder where his motivation comes from if he enters deep waters in this fight with Joaquin Buckley.

If Covington can recapture his previous form, which led him to claim the UFC interim championship, then he will need to utilise his excellent cardio, relentless volume striking and his wrestling background. To add, despite Covington losing three of his last five bouts, he does have a clear edge in experience and being under the lights in big fights in the main event slot. Sometimes these fights do come down to who keeps their cool the best.

Colby Covington punches Leon Edwards//Getty Images

Joaquin Buckley: Current Form 

Joaquin Buckley comes into this fight with unbelievable form, winning his last five bouts, and having fought five times across 12 months. Therefore, Buckley has the clear edge in form and activity, and he's potentially one more big win away from getting a shot at the welterweight title. 

Buckley is known for his exciting striking style which saw him go viral when he spinning back kicked Impa Kasanganay whilst his other foot was being held. Since his back-to-back losses in 2022, against Nassourdine Imavov and Chris Curtis, Buckley has taken it on himself to become a far better well-rounded fighter. He now fights smartly whilst still carrying his explosive striking attacks. 

His takedown defence has improved over the years, but this upcoming bout against Colby Covington will undoubtedly be his biggest test in terms of his wrestling and grappling. In addition, this is the first time Buckley will be in the main event slot; will his inexperience on the big stage hinder his ability to perform against Covington?

Colby Covington News

Colby Covington has no injury news to report on, however, it's important to note this is the first time he is stepping into the octagon since he suffered a broken foot during his loss against Leon Edwards.

Strategy: “Chaos” should look to lean heavily on his wrestling prowess in order to drain the gas tank of Buckley and limit his explosive striking output.