Tampa is ready to host the final UFC event of the year, capping off another action-packed 12 months for Dana White and Co. After setting a record for the largest gate at UFC 306, the 55-year-old CEO is gearing up to end 2024 with an explosive welterweight clash between Joaquin Buckley and former interim champion Colby Covington.

Covington’s recent UFC record has been a mixed bag and this bout against ‘New Mansa’ is a big opportunity. However, this was not the fight ‘Chaos’ was after in the first place. It seems he wanted to feature at UFC 310 initially but the promotion had other plans. In a recent interview, he shared how he decided to save the company by doing good business.

Colby Covington shares the exact reason for agreeing to fight Joaquin Buckley

UFC 310 took a major hit when champion Belal Muhammad withdrew from his fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov, leaving fans and the promotion scrambling for a replacement. In the wake of this, a flurry of fighters threw their names into the ring, eager to take on the Kazakh phenom. Among them was former interim welterweight king Colby Covington, who recently shed light on the situation during an interview with ESPN MMA.

Covington revealed, “I called Hunter Campbell when Belal backed out of the fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov. I wanted to step in and fight Shavkat.” However, things didn’t go as he had hoped. “Hunter wanted to go the direction of undefeated,” Covington explained, referencing the UFC’s preference to preserve the narrative of pitting two undefeated fighters against each other in the form of Rakhmonov and Ian Garry.

Despite this, Covington didn’t back down from an opportunity to contribute. “He [Hunter] said, ‘Hey if you want to fight, we want you to headline against Buckley in Tampa and save the day.’ So I said, ‘Yeah, I’m a company man. This is about doing good business for the company.'”

Now, ‘Chaos’ is gearing up for his upcoming clash against Joaquin Buckley (20-6), a contender riding an impressive five-fight win streak. Although Covington began his professional MMA career two years earlier, Buckley brings a deeper well of fight experience. Despite fewer fights, Covington’s resume (17-4) includes victories over top-tier opponents and four title fights to be exact, which can be a game-changer.

Despite Buckley’s impressive streak, not everyone is convinced he will have an easy time against Covington. Veteran welterweight Gilbert Burns weighed in, predicting that things won’t be as smooth when he steps into the Octagon with the relentless former interim champion.

Gilbert Burns has high hopes for Colby Covington in his next fight

For Colby Covington, this fight is more than just another bout; it’s a pivotal moment in his career. After three failed attempts at claiming the undisputed welterweight title, Covington is determined to reignite his path to championship gold. However, Joaquin Buckley is standing in his way, who is on his path to UFC glory.

As the fight nears, opinions are divided on how this matchup will play out. Gilbert Burns, speaking with Submission Radio, shared his thoughts on Instagram, leaning toward Covington to emerge victorious. Burns stated, “If Buckley cannot put Colby out of there in the first or second round, I think Colby will overwhelm him. He’s going to beat him up, and Colby can maybe get a dominant decision win. I think Colby can get a win.”

The key to victory, according to Burns, lies in Buckley’s ability to capitalize early. Known for his explosive power, Buckley’s best chance might come in the opening rounds, where he can test Covington’s durability after his time away from the Octagon. However, should the fight drag into the later rounds, Covington’s unmatched cardio and championship experience could pave the way for a decisive victory. Who do you think will come out on top? Share your predictions in the comments below!