Tag: Joaquin Buckley

UFC Tampa social media reactions: Fighters rip Colby Covington after bloody loss to Joaquin Buckley

The MMA community reacted to Joaquin Buckley’s dominant doctor’s stoppage TKO of Colby Covington in the UFC on ESPN 63 main event.

The final UFC fight of 2024 is a wrap, and [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag] was the last man to get his hand raised inside the octagon with a UFC on ESPN 63 victory over [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag].

Buckley (22-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC) improved to a stellar 6-0 since dropping to welterweight in May 2023 when he scored the third-round doctor’s stoppage TKO win over former interim divisional champion Covington (17-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., and as a result raised his stock higher than it has ever been in his octagon tenure.

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Check below for the top X (formerly Twitter) reactions to Buckley beating Covington at UFC on ESPN 63.

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UFC Tampa: Covington vs. Buckley live updates, results, round-by-round coverage of every fight

Check out live round-by-round updates and official results from UFC on ESPN 63 in Tampa, Fla.

UFC on ESPN 63 took place Saturday, and MMA Junkie had you covered with live round-by-round coverage and official results. The event (ESPNews, ESPN2, ESPN+) took place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

In the headliner, former interim welterweight champion [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag] (17-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) took on surging contender [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag] (21-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC). In the co-feature at bantamweight, UFC Hall of Famer [autotag]Cub Swanson[/autotag] (30-14 MMA, 15-10 UFC) faced [autotag]Billy Quarantillo[/autotag] (18-7 MMA, 6-5 UFC).

Below, you can find live round-by-round coverage and official results.

UFC on ESPN 63 results

MAIN CARD (ESPN2, ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Joaquin Buckley def. Colby Covington via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 3, 4:42
  • Cub Swanson def. Billy Quarantillo via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 1:36
  • Manel Kape def. Bruno Silva via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:57
  • Dustin Jacoby def. Vitor Petrino via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 3:44
  • Daniel Marcos def. Adrian Yanez via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Navajo Stirling def. Tuco Tokkos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews, ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)

  • Michael Johnson def. Ottman Azaitar via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 2:03
  • Joel Alvarez def. Drakkar Klose via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:48
  • Sean Woodson def. Fernando Padilla via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:48
  • Felipe Lima def. Miles Johns via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Miranda Maverick def. Jamey-Lyn Horth via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Davey Grant def. Ramon Taveras via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Piera Rodriguez def. Josefine Knutsson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley

Round 1 – No glove touch here as they quickly dart to the center. Buckley takes control of the center and begins darting in and out, looking for an opening. The crowd chants “let’s go Colby” in the opening moments. Buckley charges foward with a combination. An inside leg kick to 1-2 upstaris connects for Buckley. Covington shoots for a takedown but its beautifully sprawled. Covington gets up, sporting a cut over his right eye and the blood begins to flow. Buckley goes to work with a few kicks. He then rips a right to he body with a left upstairs. Covington comes foward with punches now. Buckley responds with more strikes of his own. The crowd now begins to chant “Colby sucks.” Covington looks for another takedown with a minute to go. Buckley sprawls him again. Covington gets up swinging punches, and Buckley offers a few of his own. They both smile at each other after buckley misses with a big punch. In the final seconds, Buckley drops Covington with a big punch! The horn sounds before Buckley can follow up.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Buckley.

Round 2 – Covington comes out offering two punch combos. Buckley stays light on his feet and circles away. Covington shoots in again and is once again denied. Buckley lands a few punches as Covington rises to his feet. They reset to the center. Buckley lands a clean punch. Covington goes for the takedown again, but this time completes a double leg and takes side control. Buckley tries to scramble to his feet, but Covington keeps control. Buckley explodes again, this time getting back to his feet with two minutes to go. Buckley comes foward with punches to keep the action going. Covington brushes off a clinch. An inside leg kick is there for Covington, and Buckley then answers with a hard outside kick. They start firing punches. Hard offerings from both. Covington favors his eye, which is pouring blood.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Buckley.

Round 3 – Between rounds, the doctor showed concern for the cut over Covington’s eye, but the fight resumes. Buckley comes out charging forward with a combo of punches. Covington looks to responds, but Buckley puts together another combination. Covington changes levels, but Buckley easily stuffs him. Buckley tries to take mount and land punches, but loses the position and lets Covington back up. More punches land for Buckley. Covington is a bloody mess. Another easy sprawl for Buckley. A few ground and pound punches get through. Covington doesn’t give up on a leg, and starts to get Buckley down. Buckley goes for a reverse triangle, but Covignton slips out and takes top position in guard. Covington punches from the top. Buckley gets his back to the cage with a minute to go, and gets back to his feet. Covington drops down again, but Buckley defends it. After the separation, the referee pauses the fight and calls the doctor in to look at the cut. The doc doesn’t like it and calls the fight off. That’s how the final UFC fight of 2024 ends.

Result: Joaquin Buckley def. Colby Covington via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 3, 4:42
Recap: UFC Tampa results: Joaquin Buckley dominates Colby Covington before doctor stoppage TKO
Photos: Joaquin Buckley def. Colby Covington at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Covington (17-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC), Buckley (21-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN2, ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo

Round 1 – They meet in the middle and begin trading punches in early exchanges. Quarantillo finds home for a clean counter. Swanson circles on the outside, changes level, and comes over the top with a hard punch. Quarantillo connects with a stiff left hand. Swanson stands his ground and fires back. They’re letting it fly now. Swanson finding the target cleaner, pops Quarantillo’s head back again. They reset and slow the pace down a bit. Swanson stings with a clean two-punch combo. They trade leg kicks, and then Quarantillo closes the distance with punches. Less than 30 seconds to go and now it’s Quarantillo blasting Swanson with clean punches. Quarantillo gets a takedown to close the round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Swanson.

Round 2 – They get right back into it, trading punches in the center. Swanson dips in with a clean punch. Quarantillo clinches and thinks about a single leg. Swanson gets free and comes forward with punches. Ducking and dipping, making his reads, Swanson keeps firing. Quarantillo lands a solid knee up the middle, and now he moves forward with strikes. They clinch up against the cage. On the separation, Quarantillo fires more punches. Swanson looks to answer and then opts for a clinch. Quarantillo gets free, comes forward again, and looks for another single leg. He switches to the double and gets Swanson down. Swanson gets up quickly, but Quarantillo stays in his face, offering punches. Now Swanson fires back. It’s becoming a real dog fight now with Swanson busted open. Quarantillo gets another takedown, but Swanson works his way up. Quarantillo adds a foot stomp before the separation and the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Quarantillo.

Round 3 – They get right back into exchanges; Swanson with a head kick and Quarantillo with punches. Now they’re just trading as they move about the octagon. Quarantillo shoots for the single, but can’t get it. Back to trading punches. Swanson blasts Quarantillo with a clean left and the right behind it puts Quarantillo out cold for the walk off knockout! WOW!!

Result: Cub Swanson def. Billy Quarantillo via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 1:36
Recap: UFC Tampa results: Cub Swanson teases retirement after brutal KO of Billy Quarantillo
Photos: Cub Swanson def. Billy Quarantillo at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Swanson (30-14 MMA, 15-10 UFC), Quarantillo (18-7 MMA, 6-5 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN2, ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva

Round 1 – Silva comes out bouncing around rapidly and stings Kape with an early right hand. Kape, patiently stalking from the center, answers with a clean punch of his own. A few moments later, Kape lands a left hook around the guard. Silva closes the distance, but eats a hard combination. Silva resets and comes forward again. Kape taunts with a basketball dribble. Another lightning-fast combo from Kape lands. Silva answers with a powerful right hand. A front kick from Silva goes south and the fight is paused. Back to action after a few seconds, Kape lands a solid leg kick. Silva answers with a punch. Kape, almost in a blur, lands another combo upstairs. Another kick from Silva goes low, this one with more force, and Kape reacted as such. The referee issues a “stern” warning, but doesn’t take a point. The fight resumes. Silva lands a front kick to the body. Kape darts ahead with a two-punch combo. Kape spins with an attack in the closing seconds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Kape.

Round 2 – Kape comes out quickly connecting with punches. Silva looks for the level change, but is shucked aside easily. Kape lands a furious combination and then taunts Silva after. Silva lands a clean punch though, but Kape puts together another fast flurry of clean strikes. They reset, and Silva kicks Kape in the family jewels for a third time, and this one was a clean teep right to the junk. Kape falls to the canvas, writhing in pain. The referee takes a point. The fight resumes, and Kape picks up right where he left off with fast strikes. The taunts continue too, and Kape is really having fun now. The crowd joins in by chanting some expletives toward Silva. Kape lands another combination. Silva struggles to find the target, but Kape keeps landing. Less than a minute to go, Silva nearly lands an illegal knee after Kape overswings. Kape digs a hard kick to the body before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Kape, but with the point deduction, it’s a 10-8.

Round 3 – Silva comes out quickly, but Kape complains about an eye poke. The referee doesn’t grant a pause, and Silva charges forward, unloading strikes. Kape escapes danger and fires back in a heated moment early in the round. Silva slows down, and Kape gets back to picking his shots. Silva covers up as Kape comes foward with punches. Kape lands a kick and Silva tries to tell the referee it was low. The ref doesn’t pause the fight, and Kape unloads. Punches in bunches and Silva is in trouble! Down goes Silva! That’s it! What a finish for Kape!

Result: Manel Kape def. Bruno Silva via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:57
Recap: UFC Tampa video: Manel Kape pleads with Dana White for title shot after overcoming 3 low blows to win
Photos: Manel Kape def. Bruno Silva at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Kape (20-7 MMA, 5-3 UFC), Silva (14-6-2 MMA, 4-3 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN2, ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Dustin Jacoby vs. Vitor Petrino

Round 1 – They touch gloves and begin feeling each other out. As they circle, Jacoby offers leg kicks to find the range. Petrino fires off a left hand. A combination from Petrino is ripped, but doesn’t land. Jacoby stumbles after a punch from Petrino connects. Jacoby lands a solid leg kick, but Petrino responds with a combination. A wild exchange follows, with Jacoby nearly taking the back. Jacoby appeared to hurt Petrino with a punch in the sequence. They’re back in the middle now, Petrino stalking forward. Jacoby lands a solid left hand in the closing seconds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Jacoby.

Round 2 – Petrino comes out with heavy forward pressure, working behind a left jab. Petrino sets his feet and unloads a series of hooks that Jacoby manages to evade. Jacoby circles on the outside, keeping Petrino just out of range. A hard leg kick digs in for jacoby. Petrino looks for a head kick in response. In an exchange, Petrino nails Jacoby with a clean punch, propting him to circle and reset. The crowd begins to grow restless as they circle around the cage offering feints and missed strikes. Less than a minute to go now. Petrino leaps with a Superman punch. Petrino lands a left, both smile and share a laugh before the round ends and then share a quick embrace. They’re having fun, but the crowd isn’t.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Jacoby.

Round 3 – They share a hug to begin the round, and the crowd boos in response. Petrino looks for a takedown, but Jacoby defends well and gets double underhooks himself. He abandons the clinch and returns to the center. Petrino lands a quick left hand. A moment later as the crowd’s boos grow louder, Jacoby lands a left. A right hand connects not to far behind it, but Petrino charges forward and gets a takedown. Jacoby is quickly back to his feet and separates. The crowd have their cell phone lights waving in the crowd now as they chant “boring.” Out of nowhere, Jacoby absolutely blasts Petrino with a right hand! Petrino is out cold! Woah!

Result: Dustin Jacoby def. Vitor Petrino via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 3:44
Recap: UFC Tampa video: Dustin Jacoby obliterates Vitor Petrino with one punch moments after ‘boring’ chants
Photos: Dustin Jacoby def. Vitor Petrino at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Jacoby (20-9-1 MMA, 8-6-1 UFC), Petrino (11-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN2, ESPN+
Referee: Andrew Glenn

Daniel Marcos vs. Adrian Yanez

Round 1 – They touch gloves and quickly get to trading shots. Yanez lands a crisp combination. Marcos responds with a solid leg kick. They settle down after the initial exchanges. Marcos adds another elg kick. Yanez looks for a counter punch. Marcos stings Yanez with a clean punch, and due to Yanez’s reaction, he pours on the pressure! Yanez evades the follow-up punches while countering, but came up with air. Yanez resets. Marcos keeps coming forward. He offers a kick, but it goes low. Marcos’ goes to frame off, but pokes Yanez in the eye too! A two-for-one foul special, and the fight is paused. The fight resumes, and we’re midway through the round. They trade solid leg kicks. Yanez comes forward with a combo. Marcos evades and lands a counter. Both sit on a combination and land, but Marcos delivers more power. Yanez gets a body lock and drives Marcos into the cage. Marcos reverses the position and looks for a takedown. He comes up and lands a hard right elbow.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Marcos.

Round 2 – Marcos and Yanez trade strikes in the center. Yanez dips and catches Marcos with a big left hand early. Yanez rips a left to the body as he comes forward. Marcos comes foward with punches, but Yanez slips and dips, then unloads a few big looping hooks that miss the mark. The calf kick scores well for Yanez. Marcos looks for a jumping knee. The action picks up in a heated exchange with both landing. Yanez doubles up the left jab. Marcos backs himself into the fence as he circles. Yanez swings with more huge hooks, but can’t find the target. Marcos looks for another jumping knee, but pays for it with counter strikes from Yanez.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Yanez.

Round 3 – Both come out swining to start the final round. Yanez lands a right, but Marcos gets a takedown. Yanez works his back to the fence. He tries to get up but gets warned for grabbing the cage. A moment later, Yanez gets up anyway, but Marcos remains attached. Yanez reverses the position and tries to sweep out the leg, but Marcos stays upright and then gets free. Marcos offers strikes and then shoots in for another takedown. Yanez counters with a guillotine, but it’s not deep and he knows it. Marcos gets to guard but Yanez has his feet on the hips. They’re back on the feet and Marcos jumps with a knee along the fence. Yanez gets a clinch and separates with a minute to go. Marcos appears fatigued as he circles and Yanez closes distance. Marcos rips a fast combination. Yanez evades and presses foward. Yanez gets the clinch. He lets it go with a few seconds remaining. Yanez unloads big punches until the horn, but can’t connect.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Marcos, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Daniel Marcos def. Adrian Yanez via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Photos: Daniel Marcos def. Adrian Yanez at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Marcos (17-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Yanez (17-6 MMA, 6-3 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN2, ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Chris Lee (28-29), Derek Cleary (30-27), Eric Colon (29-28)

Navajo Stirling vs. Tuco Tokkos

Round 1 – Stirling quickly crosses the cage to pressure Tokkos. A teep to the body connects for Stirling. Tokkos circles left and right. They trade hard leg kicks. Stirling kicks to the body. Tokkos answers with one of his own, but it nearly gets caught. Stirling looks for a 1-2 as he works behind a left jab. A hard leg kick digs in for Stirling. A big right hand lands a moment later. Tokkos misses with a big right hand, and Stirling lands a punch to the body. Tokkos lands a leg kick, but stumbles. Stirling takes advantage with punches. Tokkos appears hurt from a strike to the body. Stirling stays in close. An awkward clash leads to Stirling controlling Tokkos on the mat momentarily. Back to the feet, Stirling continues to pressure forward with strikes. Tokkos is on survival mode to see the next round, and he makes it.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Stirling.

Round 2 – Stirling gets right back to the forward pressure with strikes. Tokkos switches things up and changes levels for a single leg and completes it. Stirling pops right back up, but Tokkos stays on the hips. Tokkos has the back while standing, and takes Stirling down again. Stirling stays calm and explodes back to his feet. Once up, Stirling unloads a knee and a flurry of punches. Tokkos shakes his head afterward, but the shots were clean. Stirling continues to press forward with punches, but Tokkos fires back and looks for another single leg, resulting in another standing back take. Stirling tries to explode free, but Tokkos keeps control. With just over 20 seconds to go, Stirling gets free and swings with a big punch that misses.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Stirling.

Round 3 – Stirling lands a big left in a combination. His forward pressure remains the same, but Tokkos appears game to trade strikes as he answers in the center of the cage. Tokkos looks for a right hand to close the distance and clinches. The crowd doesn’t like it, but Tokkos adjusts for a single leg attempt. Stirling keeps the fight standing and separates. Stirling punches to the body as Tokkos keeps his guard high. Now it’s Stirling initiating a clinch. Tokkos reverses and drives Stirling into the fence. Less than two minutes remaining. Stirling gets free and offers a variety of kicks, including a spinning back kick to the body. A clean punching combination was not far behind it. Tokkos appears fatigued and looks up at the clock as he backs away. Stirling turns up the pressure with more strikes to the body. Tokkos appears hurt as his body language looks like he wants out of the fight. Stirling continues to hunt for the finish, but Tokkos wants a single leg attempt. The fight comes to an end at the final horn with Stirling on top.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Stirling, giving him the fight 30-27.

Result: Navajo Stirling def. Tuco Tokkos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Navajo Stirling def. Tuco Tokkos at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Stirling (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Tokkos (10-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN2, ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
Judging: Jason Grenier, Eric Colon, Derek Cleary

Ottman Azaitar vs. Michael Johnson

Round 1 – Johnson quickly takes control of the center as Azaitar circles to his left. The crowd chants “U-S-A” as Johnson looks for his opening. Single strikes are offered from both as the feel-out process continues. Johnson puts together a fast combo of punches. Azaitar kicks high, but it’s blocked. Johnson comes in with another combo. Now Azaitar answers with a combination. Two minutes to go. Johnson puts together another combo as he works behind a right jab. A minute left, and Johnson shoots for a single leg, but Azaitar shakes him off. Johnson cracks Azaitar with a clean punch. A few seconds later, another left rocks Azaitar, but Johnson doesn’t follow up. Azaitar resets and fires off a couple of punches and a kick before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Johnson.

Round 2 – Johnson continues where he left off, patiently moving forward looking for an opening. Azaitar comes foward, swining a right followed by a left, but Johnson clips him with a counter right hook! Johnson then lands a left and swings a huge right hand to end the buzzsaw of counters! Azaitar crashes to the mat and he’s out cold! Johnson dives in with another right as the referee rushes to stop the fight!

Result: Michael Johnson def. Ottman Azaitar via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 2:03
Recap: UFC Tampa video: Michael Johnson starches Ottman Azaitar for one of 2024’s most violent KOs
Photos: Michael Johnson def. Ottman Azaitar at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Azaitar (13-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC), Johnson (23-19 MMA, 15-15 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPNews, ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Joel Alvarez vs. Drakkar Klose

Round 1 – They touch gloves, and Klose opens the action with a leg kick and a punch upstairs. Alvarez calmly stalks forward, studying Klose’s movement. Klose kicks to the leg again. Alvarez times a counter punch. Another right hand clips Klose, putting him on wobbly legs. Alvarez looks to capitalize, but Klose changes levels and lifts Alvarez for a big slam. Alvarez works his way to the fence and gets back to his feet. Klose keeps with the clinch as they trade short punches. Back in the center now, Alvarez lands a sharp left hand and Klose stumbles backward into the fence. Alvarez rushes forward to follow up and lands a jumping knee! Alvarez wraps up the head with his left as if he was looking for a guillotine, but opts to punch with the right. Klose is out cold! What a wild finishing sequence!

Result: Joel Alvarez def. Drakkar Klose via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:48
Recap: UFC Tampa video: Joel Alvarez KOs Drakkar Klose, who falls into guillotine choke in wild sequence
Photos: Joel Alvarez def. Drakkar Klose at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Alvarez (22-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC), Klose (15-3-1 MMA, 9-3 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPNews, ESPN+
Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Fernando Padilla vs. Sean Woodson

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and begin the action quickly by trading punches. Padilla charges forward with a combination, but loses his footing. Woodson takes advantage by taking the fight to the mat. Padilla throws up mission control as Woodson attempts to pass guard. Padilla nearly gets an omoplata, but Woodson escapes, and we’re back to the feet. Padilla keeps the pressure high with punches. Pushing Woodson into the fence, Padilla unloads elbows and punches. Woodson defends them well and circles away. Now it’s Woodson landing with a snappy left hand. Padilla keeps coming forward. Woodson lands a clean 1-2. Another right hand lands. Padilla targets the legs with a kick and then looks for a clinch. Woodson shakes him off, and takes Padilla off his feet with a calf kick! Padilla gets up and closes in with punches. Woodson shoves him away, acutally pushing him to the ground. Padilla gets up and resets, then comes forward with a series of punches. Woodson defends and circles, then lands a couple of punches. The 10-second clapper sounds and Woodson lights up Padilla with a combo! Padilla is rocked! Woodson follows up and drops him! Now it’s hammerfists! The referee dives in for the stoppage before the round ends! Wow!

Result: Sean Woodson def. Fernando Padilla via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:48
Recap: UFC Tampa video: Sean Woodson floors Fernando Padilla with beautiful combination
Photos: Sean Woodson def. Fernando Padilla at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Padilla (16-6 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Woodson (13-1-1 MMA, 7-1-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPNews, ESPN+
Referee: Andrew Glenn

Miles Johns vs. Felipe Lima

Round 1 – Lima looks to find the range with a few quick leg kicks. Johns swings with a big overhand counter. Johns looks for the takedown, but Lima shakes him off and leaps in with a knee. A few clean punches land for Lima as Johns scrambles back to a single leg attempt. He gives up on it, and they’re back to the center. Lima looks for a hook kick, just missing the mark. Johns lands a 1-2. A spinning kick to the body lands for Lima. The action slows a bit as they look for openings. Johns comes foward with a combination and waves Lima in in the closing moments.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lima.

Round 2 – The meet in the middle and exchange punches, with Johns controlling the action from the center. Johns adds a nice calf kick that nearly spun Lima around. Lima gathers himself and fires back nicely, putting together a clean combination. Lima then gets a clean takedown. Johns tries to scramble up, but has to fend off a D’arce and guillotine attempt. Johns escapes though, and the fight returns to the center. They’re back to exchanging punches, and Lima points at Johns after lands a clean left. Johns lands a moment later and laughs. The action starts to heat up, punctuated with a huge overhand right from Johns, that nearly takes Lima off his feet. Johns is amped up now, waving Lima into a firefight before the round ends.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Johns.

Round 3 – Johns comes out with forward pressure, looking to land a big punch. Johns swings and misses with a few punches, but keeps coming forward. Lima sneaks in a sharp counter right. Johns looks for the overhand right again, but it’s not there. Lima continues to circle on the outside, and finds an opening to dart in, and leaps on Johns’ back. Lima gets the fight to the ground. The rear-naked choke is slapped on, but it’s not under the chin. Lima adjusts a few times, but Johns keeps the chin low. Johns scrambles free and jumps on Lima’s back! But he gets too high, and Lima throws him off the top. About 50 seconds to go, and Johns starts swinging big punches. Lima gets a hold of him though, and the fight is back on the canvas. Johns reverses the position to take top control. Lima works up, and Johns swings a couple of more hooks, but doesn’t land.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lima, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Felipe Lima def. Miles Johns via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Felipe Lima def. Miles Johns at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Johns (15-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC), Silva (14-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPNews, ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Troy Wincapaw, Chris Lee, Sal D’Amato

Jamey-Lyn Horth vs. Miranda Maverick

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and get to the action with opening leg kicks. Horth controls the center of the cage as both look for openings. Maverick darts forward with a combo, but can’t connect. An overhand left just misses the mark a moment later as they continue to move about the octagon, light on their feet. Maverick changes things up with a takedown shot. The single leg attempt results in a clinch along the fence. Maverick tries to kick out the leg, but Horth remains upright. Maverick continues to adjust for the takedown, while Horth counters with an, uhh… interesting hand placement. Maverick pulls out the leg to get Horth down, but can’t keep her on the mat. The round comes to a close in the clinch.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Maverick.

Round 2 – Another touch of gloves here. Maverick grabs another single leg attempt at Horth comes in with a punch. Back to the same position against the fence, Maverick works for the takedown as a few boo birds chirp. Horth finds a reversal opening and takes Maverick’s back from a standing position. Maverick drops to ground as Horth begins working for a rear-naked choke. Horth slaps it on, but it doesn’t appear under the chin. Maverick gives a thumbs up. Horth gives up on it, and the scramble is on. Maverick ends up on the back. Horth doesn’t rest and quickly reverses by turning into guard. Maverick tries to scramble to her feet, but Horth stays glued to her and adds a few punches on the way up.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Horth.

Round 3 – Maverick lands a solid overhand left to start the round. They continue to exchange single strikes at a time on the feet as Horth pressures from the center. Maverick sees her opening and shoots in for a well-timed takedown. Maverick works from half guard looking to land short strikes, but Horth regains full guard when Maverick looked to improve position. Maverick looks to transition, and their legs become entangled. With 30 seconds to go, the fight returns to the feet, and Maverick unloads a combination. Horth comes forward looking to respond, but time expires.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Maverick, giving her the fight 29-28.

Result: Miranda Maverick def. Jamey-Lyn Horth via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Miranda Maverick def. Jamey-Lyn Horth at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Horth (7-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Maverick (15-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: EESPNews, ESPN+
Referee: Andrew Glenn
Judging: Solimar Miranda, Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato

Davey Grant vs. Ramon Taveras

Round 1 – No glove touch here. Grant starts the action with a few leg kicks, going inside and outside. Taveras lands a fast left hand. Another lands not far behind it with more power. Grant goes back to the kicks, landing to the leg and to the body. Taveras punches to the body, and Grant gives him one right back. Grant digs in a hard kick to the body. Taveras lands a hard counter punch as Grant closes in. A head kick from Grant a second later nearly gets home. Taveras cracks with a hard counter. Grant’s leg kick lands on the family jewels, and the fight is paused for just under a minute. Back to the action, Taveras presses forward as the crowd chants “U-S-A.” Grant lands an inside kick followed by a punch. A moment later, Grant attempts a spinning back kick, but Taveras defends it well. Grant continues offering a variety of striking techniques until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Grant.

Round 2 – Grant picks up right where he left off with punches and kicks early, but Taveras drops him with a big counter! Taveras thinks about following to the ground, but he lets Grant up as the crowd begins to chant again. Grant resets, and attacks with more kicks to the legs, body and head. Grant threatens a level change as he continues to lead the dance with strikes. A spinning attack from Grant is broken up by Taveras, and Grant touches the canvas. He pops up quickly, and continues to offer high-volume attacks. A hard punching combination from Grant scores. Taveras remains defensively sound, but struggles to find openings to get his own offense off due to Grant’s volume.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Grant.

Round 3 – They trade clean punches in the first exchange of the final round. Grant keeps the pressure high with volume striking, but Taveras begins to offer more jabs. Grant circles and comes forward with a series of punches, backing up Taveras. Grant continues to unload punches, putting together combinations, some of which are blocked by Taveras. Another solid combination from Grant lands, this time with a kick added to the mix. Another combo lands for Grant, puncutated with a hard right hand. Every time Taveras offers a strike, Grant immediately fires back. With 30 seconds to go, they both turn up the volume as the crowd gets louder. Both land in the final sequences, but Grant ends the fight with a taunt and a smile.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Grant, giving him the fight 30-27.

Result: Davey Grant def. Ramon Taveras via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Davey Grant def. Ramon Taveras at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Grant (14-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC), Taveras (10-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPNews, ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28), Eric Colon (30-27), Christopher Edgehill (30-27)

Josefine Knutsson vs. Piera Rodriguez

Round 1 – They quickly meet in the middle and Rodriguez rocks Knutsson with a fast combination! Rodriguez follows up with a takedown attempt, but Knutsson is able to keep her balance. They wrestle for position against the fence. Rodriguez gets the angle to lift and dump Knutsson to the canvas. Knutsson gets her back to the cage and pops to her feet. Back in the center, Rodriguez charges forward with punches into a clinch, and gets another takedown. Knutsson throws up a gogoplata attempt, but it’s not there. They return to the feet, both unloading punches and kicks. Rodriguez darts in again with punches and gets another takedown in the center of the cage. Knutsson lands a few hard elbows from her back and Rodriguez stands up. Rodriguez plays the up-down position for a moment before going back down to take side control. Knutsson stays active from her back, but Rodriguez rains down a few hard elbows from the top.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rodriguez.

Round 2 – Rodriguez comes out quickly again with punches and a kick to the body. Knutsson fires back. Rodriguez shoots in and completes another takedown, but Knutsson gets to the fence and wall walks to her feet. Knutsson circles out of the clinch and just misses with a head kick. Knutsson kicks to the body and lands a right. Another combination from Knutsson connects, but Rodriguez times a takedown. Midway through the round, Rodriguez works ground and pound from full guard. Rodriguez takes full mount and postures up with punches, but Knutsson throws her legs up for a beautiful sweep to escape. They’re back to their feet, but Rodriguez keeps the clinch, sticking to Knutsson like glue on the cage. She gets a single leg, but Knutsson nearly reverses to take the back.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rodriguez.

Round 3 – They circle around each other in the center. Knutsson lands a hard front kick to the body. Rodriguez gathers herself and shoots for the takedown. Knutsson looks for a guillotine, but Rodriguez gets to half guard and escapes. Rodriguez gets to work with ground and pound again while also maintaining control as time ticks away. Knutsson works her way closer to the fence, but Rodriguez gets full mount momentarily. Knutsson gets full guard back, but can’t improve beyond that as Rodriguez rains down a final flurry.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rodriguez, giving her the fight 30-27.

Result: Piera Rodriguez def. Josefine Knutsson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Piera Rodriguez def. Josefine Knutsson at UFC Tampa: Best photos
Records: Knutsson (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Rodriguez (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPNews, ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Eric Colon, Jason Grenier, Sal D’Amato

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 63.

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley prediction, pick: Will wrestling determine UFC on ESPN 63 headliner?

Joaquin Buckley has a chance to break into the elite of the division at UFC Tampa, but will Colby Covington’s wrestling be too much?

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC on ESPN 63 main event between [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag] and [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag].

Colby Covington preview

Colby Covington UFC Tampa weigh-ins

Staple info:

  • Record: 17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC
  • Height: 5’11” Age: 36 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 72″
  • Last fight: Decision loss to Leon Edwards (Dec. 16, 2024)
  • Camp: MMA Masters (Florida)
  • Stance/striking style: Southpaw/kickboxing
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ Former UFC interim welterweight titleholder
+ 2x NCAA Division-I All-American wrestler
+ Pac-10 wrestling champion
+ 4 KO victories
+ 4 submission wins
+ 3 first-round finishes
+ Superb cardio and conditioning
+ Improved overall striking
^ Kicks, combos, counters
+ Excellent takedown ability
^ Chains attempts, constantly re-wrestles
+ Tremendous top game
^ Solid wrist-rides and positional awareness
+/- 5-1 opposite UFC-level southpaws

Joaquin Buckley preview

Joaquin Buckley UFC Tampa weigh-ins

Staple info:

  • 20-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC
  • Height: 5’10” Age: 30 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 76″
  • Last fight: Knockout win over Stephen Thompson (Oct. 5, 2024)
  • Camp: Finney’s HIT Squad (St. Louis/Illinois)
  • Stance/striking style: Southpaw/kickboxing
  • Risk management: Fair

Supplemental info:
+ 14 KO victories
+ 4 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Athletic and explosive mover
^ Blitzes in and out of range
+ Hard hooks and crosses
^ Coming forward or off the counter
+ Underrated/underutilized kicking ability
+ Strong inside the clinch
+ Solid first-layer defense
^ Good sprawls and underhook awareness
+ Servicable transitional grappler
^ Will scramble hard to standing positions
+/- 0-1 opposite UFC-level southpaws

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley point of interest: Southpaw vs. southpaw

Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Leon Edwards (red gloves) fights Colby Covington (blue gloves) during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The main event on ESPN features a semi-impromptu pairing of southpaws at 170 pounds.

Officially standing 5-1 opposite fellow UFC-level southpaws, Covington has been working hard to improve his striking since stepping onto the UFC scene.

From not crossing his feet to resetting his angles on the outside, Covington has displayed the ability to create lanes for his favored kicks and crosses off of his power side – shots that were often set up by his jab.

Since parting ways with American Top Team, Covington has since attempted to build upon said skills at MMA Masters. The 36-year-old standout will still occasionally roll under his crosses, but now Covington will typically do so while stepping through into an orthodox stance to set up power from that side.

Covington also appears to be more content to fight off the back foot in his last few fights, showing more of a countering approach. The former interim titleholder can still sneak in savvy uppercuts and hooks in exchanges, demonstrating a more diversified shot selection overall (especially when pressuring forward).

Regardless of which avenue Covington chooses this Saturday, he’ll need to be mindful of the bombs that will be coming back at him.

Enter Buckley.

A self-made martial artist from St. Louis, Buckley appears to be built for the fight game. Not only can Buckley talk the talk, but the 30-year-old contender can also walk the walk in the way that he’s willing to go to war with anyone on the roster.

Whether we’re looking at Buckley’s in-and-out movements or his natural aptitude for high-flying kicks, you’d be forgiven for assuming that “New Mansa” comes from a traditional martial arts background. Add in his healthy mix of slipping and ripping hooks, and Buckley makes for a dangerous package to deal with on the feet.

Buckley does have a tendency to load up heavily on linear advances, but the 10-year pro seems to do a better job at lead-side prods and attacks when posed with a fellow southpaw stance.

Still, Buckley will need to be careful about his aggression being used against him given the looming takedown threats from Covington.

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley breakdown: Winning the wrestling

May 11, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Joaquin Buckley (red gloves) fights Nursulton Ruziboev (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports

Considering the crux of Covington’s game, winning the wrestling will likely be paramount for Buckley this weekend.

Whether we’re talking about singles or doubles, Covington has a ton of entries he can chain to and from when looking to achieve his takedowns.

Although reactionary shots in the open will likely be available due to Buckley’s aggression, chaining attacks along the fence might end up being Covington’s best bet. That said, getting past Buckley’s first layer of defense appears to be increasingly difficult as his career progresses.

Possessing strong hips and an athletic sprawl that he keeps on a hair-trigger, Buckley is good about shutting down shots that come his way in the open. When Buckley is pressed against the cage, he applies solid underhook awareness that he utilizes to help hoist opponents off of his hips.

However, Buckley can sometimes fail to cover the head, which can allow for directional changes and extended attacks from his opponent.

Buckley, to his credit, is an urgent scrambler from negative positions. But against a grappler like Covington, Buckley will need to be careful about the exposure he tends to give when turtling to his base.

A talented grappler from topside, Covington uses everything from wrist-rides to leg and lever disruptions to break an opponent’s balance and spirit. Whether he is spiraling out the base of those who try to stand or striking them with impunity from positional rides and pins, Covington is steadily becoming a master chef when it comes to cooking his counterparts underneath him.

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley odds

Despite opening at practically a pick’em, public money has come in on the younger fighter, listing Buckley -300 and Covington +235 via FanDuel.

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley prediction, pick

Even though I don’t disagree with public sentiment being low on Covington, this much of a spread in Buckley’s favor admittedly surprised me.

Buckley is definitely on the upswing and is the bigger finishing threat in this fight.

However, it’s hard to be as certain as the betting line above given that we’ve seen very little of Buckley’s defense opposite meaningful grappling or wrestling threats since his losses to Logan Storley and Nassourdine Imavov. Add in the fact that Buckley is technically 0-1 opposite UFC-level southpaws (as opposed to Covington’s 5-1 in that statistical department), and I find myself walking firmer into the trappings of stylistic analysis.

I’m a big believer in the classic adage, ‘Styles make fights.’ Unfortunately, that approach comes with the trappings of time and intangibles attached.
Whether it be age, injury or otherwise, fighters – mainly for worse – tend to change over time.

It’s hard to say what the current mixture is for Covington, but he has taken more of a backfoot approach since moving shop to MMA Masters, something that I believe bodes badly for his game. Not only does fighting on the backfoot nuder a large part of Covington’s wrestling offense, but pressure is what was both filling the holes and fueling the success of his striking.

If Covington has not figured out that dynamic at this point in his career, then we may see a sadder-than-usual loss from “Chaos.” But even with his newfound countering approach, I suspect that Buckley’s aggression will still inherently open up takedown opportunities for Covington.

Couple that with his on-paper cardio edge, and I still have a hard time picking against Covington in this spot. I’ll be genuinely happy for Buckley if he’s able to win here, but they don’t call welterweight ‘wrestle-weight’ for no reason—it’s because the top of the weight class has been heavily inhabited by wrestlers since the days of Matt Hughes.

The pick is Covington by unanimous decision.

Prediction: Covington by decision

UFC on ESPN 63: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 63 odds between Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round welterweight bout in the main event, Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley battle Saturday at UFC on ESPN 63 at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC on ESPN 63: Covington vs. Buckley odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET, also on ESPN2/ESPN+.

Records: Covington (17-4-0) | Buckley (20-6-0)

Covington was stopped via unanimous decision last time out at UFC 296 in a championship bout against Leon Edwards. Covington has ended up going the distance in 3 in a row, and 8 of the past 10 bouts dating back to Dec. 17, 2016.

Buckley scored a third-round knockout against Stephen Thompson at UFC 307, and he has won 5 straight fights with 2 via unanimous decision and 3 KO/TKO victories. His last loss was Dec. 10, 2022, against Chris Curtis at UFC 282.

Buckley holds a 4-inch reach advantage, and the southpaw has a slight 4.13-to-3.88 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Covington is quite a bit more accurate on those strikes at 52.00% to just 39.64% for the left-hander. Covington has a 3.79 takedown average, too, while Buckley has managed just a 1.96 takedown average and 46.34% takedown accuracy percentage.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC on ESPN 63: Covington vs. Buckley odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list UFC odds. Lines last updated at 12:55 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Covington +198 (bet $100 to win $198) | Buckley -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
  • Total Rounds: 4.5 Rounds (Over: -138 | Under: +108)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -124 | No -102)

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UFC on ESPN 63: Covington vs. Buckley picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

COVINGTON (+198) is an intriguing pick for the chance to nearly double up.

Buckley (-240) has the reach advantage, and he is a punching machine. However, Covington has battled the best of the best in the division, and while he is 2-3 in the past 5 bouts, each of the setbacks were for a championship. He has never lost in a non-championship bout.

Buckley has won 3 of his past 5 fights via KO/TKO, but he doesn’t have the same quality of opponents Covington has.

COVINGTON BY POINTS (+310) for the chance to more than triple up is also worth a roll of the dice for the method of victory.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES (-124): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is worth a look, and it won’t set you back very much.

Again, Covington has gone the distance in the past 3 bouts, and those are each 5-round fights, too. He has just 2 finishes in the past 10 fights since Dec. 2016.

OVER 4.5 ROUNDS (-138) isn’t too pricey if you’d like a little bit of wiggle room in the event of a late Round 5 finish.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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Cub Swanson reacts to sharing UFC Tampa with Joaquin Buckley after online beef

Joaquin Buckley’s words still don’t sit well with Cub Swanson.

TAMPA, Fla. – [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag]’s words still don’t sit well with [autotag]Cub Swanson[/autotag].

Swanson (29-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC) and Buckley (20-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) got heated over Buckley claiming that this version of him could knock out UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre. Swanson took it as disrespect to the welterweight great, which sparked a back-and-forth between the two.

Now, Swanson and Buckley are sharing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 63 card at Amalie Arena (ESPN2, ESPN+). Swanson meets Billy Quarantillo (18-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC) in the co-main event, whereas Buckley faces Colby Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) in the headliner.

“I stand by what I said,” Swanson told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “I don’t think the younger guys should be disrespecting the older guys, and that’s just what I think. I think that the people that paved the way should always deserve some respect.”

Swanson is yet to run into Buckley, but if he does, he’s expecting an apology for being insulted in his response.

“I’m sure I will (run into him), and I’m not going to back down from what I said,” Swanson said. “I was a fan of his until he opened his mouth a little bit. I’ve got no ill will towards him, but like I said, I think people need to show respect.

“An apology for calling me a ‘hoe,’ because that’s one thing that I’m not. I’ve stayed true to myself, I’ve stayed true to who I am my entire career so, the name calling was just a little over the line. But, I was a fan of his until that moment.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 63.