UFC Tampa: Buckley defeats Covington by TKO following gruesome injury

Stay up-to-date with all the action from UFC Tampa as Covington faces Buckley in an epic showdown.

UFC kicked off at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on a thrilling Saturday night, with exciting bouts across the card.

The main event saw former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington take on the rising star Joaquin Buckley, while the co-main event featured a featherweight clash between Cub Swanson and Billy Quarantillo.

Fans were treated to a night of action-packed fights, and MMA Junkie was on hand to provide live round-by-round coverage and official results.

Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley

The headliner was an intense affair from the get-go. Buckley, always known for his explosive power, came out aggressive, landing a few strong strikes early.

Covington, however, was determined to establish his wrestling, but Buckley sprawled every takedown attempt with ease. The crowd’s energy ramped up as Buckley dropped Covington toward the end of the first round, leaving the fans chanting "Colby sucks." By the end of the opening round, MMA Junkie scored it 10-9 in favor of Buckley.

In the second round, Covington tried to regain control with his usual relentless pace, but Buckley was no slouch, maintaining his striking dominance. The round was more of the same, with Covington looking frustrated and bloodied from Buckley’s shots. Buckley continued to evade the takedowns, landing clean punches in return. The round ended with another significant strike from Buckley, and MMA Junkie again scored it 10-9 for Buckley.

As the fight progressed, both fighters showed incredible toughness. Covington, despite his cut and visible discomfort, continued to push forward. However, Buckley’s precision and speed were on display, as he picked apart Covington in the clinches. The third round was shaping up to be a battle for Covington to survive as Buckley appeared in full control.

Result: Joaquin Buckley defeated Colby Covington via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo

In the co-main event, Cub Swanson, the UFC Hall of Famer, faced Billy Quarantillo in a classic striker’s battle. The first round saw both fighters exchange blows early, with Swanson landing a clean two-punch combo and Quarantillo answering with sharp counters. As the round progressed, Quarantillo was able to secure a late takedown, but Swanson’s experience shone through. MMA Junkie scored the first round 10-9 for Swanson.

Round 2 was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters landing significant strikes, but Quarantillo seemed to take control as he scored another takedown and dominated in the clinch. Swanson, however, was never out of the fight and managed to stay competitive. By the end of the round, MMA Junkie gave it to Quarantillo 10-9.

The final round was a dramatic finish. Swanson, seemingly out of nowhere, landed a brutal left hook, followed by a right hand, knocking Quarantillo out cold. The crowd erupted as Swanson walked off in victory, a fitting end to a thrilling fight.

Result: Cub Swanson defeated Billy Quarantillo via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 1:36.

Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva

This flyweight clash was a striking showcase. Manel Kape and Bruno Silva went at it with full throttle, each landing heavy shots in the opening rounds. Kape’s speed and agility were on display, as he evaded Silva’s attacks and responded with swift combinations. Silva’s power was evident, but Kape’s taunts and skill kept him in control.

In the second round, after a low blow by Silva, Kape came back even stronger, landing punch after punch in a dominant display. A point deduction for Silva didn’t seem to affect Kape’s rhythm as he continued to land at will. The third round saw Kape unleash a fury of strikes, eventually knocking Silva out with a brutal combination.

Result: Manel Kape defeated Bruno Silva via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:57.

Dustin Jacoby vs. Vitor Petrino

A highly anticipated light heavyweight matchup followed between Dustin Jacoby and Vitor Petrino. The fight began slow, with both fighters looking to establish their range. Jacoby’s leg kicks were landing early, but Petrino’s striking was fast and explosive. It wasn’t until the third round that Jacoby would find his moment. After a few exchanges, Jacoby landed a clean right hand that put Petrino out cold, leaving the crowd in awe.

Result: Dustin Jacoby defeated Vitor Petrino via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 3:44.

Daniel Marcos vs. Adrian Yanez

This bantamweight contest was a strategic battle. Daniel Marcos and Adrian Yanez traded strikes in the first round, with Marcos landing a solid right elbow late in the round. Yanez bounced back in round 2, landing clean shots and dictating the pace with his powerful left hand. However, Marcos’ persistence and clinch work in the third round proved to be decisive. MMA Junkie scored the fight in Marcos’ favor, 29-28, giving him the split decision win.

Result: Daniel Marcos defeated Adrian Yanez via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28).

Navajo Stirling vs. Tuco Tokkos

The first fight of the night saw Navajo Stirling continue his undefeated streak against Tuco Tokkos in a light heavyweight showdown. Stirling wasted no time, immediately pressuring Tokkos with fast strikes and a series of kicks. His constant forward pressure caused Tokkos to stumble and appear hurt early in the fight. Tokkos tried to regroup but found himself on the defensive, struggling to keep up with Stirling’s intensity.

In Round 1, Stirling controlled the action with a variety of strikes. A right hand and a solid punch to the body hurt Tokkos, who was saved by the bell. Round 2 saw Stirling continue to press forward, despite Tokkos’ attempts to close the distance and change levels for a takedown. Stirling, however, was too quick and explosive, getting back to his feet whenever Tokkos took him down. The pressure never let up.

Round 3 was a display of Stirling’s relentless pressure. He landed clean punches to Tokkos' body, pushing the pace and refusing to let Tokkos recover. Stirling seemed poised for a finish, but Tokkos hung in there, surviving to the final bell. Ultimately, Stirling won by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), continuing his undefeated run in the UFC.

Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar

In the lightweight division, Michael Johnson put on a clinic, delivering one of the most vicious knockouts of the night against Ottman Azaitar. The first round saw Johnson control the center of the cage, picking his shots and landing solid combinations. Azaitar, a dangerous striker, tried to fire back but was consistently outpaced by Johnson’s technique.

In Round 2, it was all Johnson. Azaitar came forward looking to land a big shot, but Johnson countered with a right hook that sent Azaitar crashing to the canvas. Johnson followed up with another right as the referee rushed in to stop the fight. The knockout came at 2:03 of Round 2, marking a brutal end to Azaitar’s night and a big win for Johnson.

Result: Johnson def. Azaitar via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 2:03.

Joel Alvarez vs. Drakkar Klose

In an exciting lightweight contest, Joel Alvarez faced off against Drakkar Klose. Alvarez started slow, stalking his opponent and waiting for the right opening. Klose had a brief moment of success with a takedown, but Alvarez was quick to recover. Alvarez’s counterpunching was on point, and he rocked Klose with a right hand.

The turning point came when Alvarez capitalized on a Klose mistake. After a wild exchange, Alvarez landed a jumping knee and then wrapped Klose up with a left hand, looking for a guillotine choke. But Alvarez opted for punches instead, and Klose was out cold in a wild sequence. Alvarez won via knockout (punches) at 2:48 of Round 1, continuing his impressive UFC run.

Result: Alvarez def. Klose via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:48.

Sean Woodson vs. Fernando Padilla

In a featherweight bout, Sean Woodson faced off against Fernando Padilla. The fight began with an exciting pace, as both fighters landed clean strikes early on. Padilla came forward with pressure, but Woodson countered with precision, landing crisp punches.

The turning point came in the final seconds of Round 1. Padilla, rocked from Woodson’s strikes, found himself on the receiving end of a beautiful combination. Woodson’s strikes floored Padilla just before the bell, and the referee stepped in to stop the fight. Woodson won via TKO (punches) at 4:48 of Round 1.

Result: Woodson def. Padilla via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:48.

Felipe Lima vs. Miles Johns

In a bantamweight clash, Felipe Lima took on Miles Johns in a fast-paced, action-packed fight. Lima had the edge in Round 1, using his range and landing sharp counters while keeping Johns at bay. However, Johns found his rhythm in Round 2, applying heavy pressure and landing a huge overhand right that nearly took Lima off his feet.

The fight was back-and-forth, with Lima showing his grappling chops and attempting to secure dominant positions. In the final round, it was a battle of attrition. Lima won the fight via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), displaying excellent control and resilience.

Result: Lima def. Johns via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Miranda Maverick vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth

The women’s flyweight division saw a high-energy matchup between Miranda Maverick and Jamey-Lyn Horth. The fight was closely contested, with Maverick securing dominant positions on the ground and landing several clean strikes. However, Horth was far from a passive fighter, reversing positions and getting her own offense going.

In Round 3, Maverick’s timely takedowns and sharp striking gave her the edge. The judges gave the fight to Maverick by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) after three hard-fought rounds.

Result: Maverick def. Horth via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Davey Grant vs. Ramon Taveras

In a bantamweight showdown, Davey Grant and Ramon Taveras went toe-to-toe in a high-volume striking battle. Grant started strong with some leg kicks and body shots, but Taveras turned the tables by dropping Grant with a counter in Round 2.

However, Grant’s resilience shone through. He kept the pressure high, throwing punch combinations and continuing to mix up his attack. By Round 3, Taveras struggled to keep up with Grant’s volume, and Grant’s relentless attack sealed the deal. Grant won by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27), putting on an entertaining performance for the crowd.

Result: Grant def. Taveras via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).