UFC Tampa Preview: Covington vs. Buckley

The UFC is closing out 2024 with a bang in Tampa, Florida with a Fight Night at the Amalie Arena. This card has something for everyone—gritty veterans, knockout artists, and rising stars ready to steal the spotlight.

Main Event: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley

Colby Covington’s back, and you know he’s bringing the trash talk and endless cardio. Maybe he is bringing President Donald Trump too? Love him or hate him, the guy knows how to grind down opponents, and he’s got his sights on Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley. Buckley? A walking highlight reel with knockout power for days. This fight isn’t just about styles—it’s a showdown to see if Covington’s relentless wrestling can outlast Buckley’s dynamite hands. The winner puts themself into number one contender conversation for the welterweight title.

Co-Main Event: Amanda Ribas vs. Mackenzie Dern

Brazilian jiu-jitsu royalty collides in the co-main event. Amanda Ribas and Mackenzie Dern are grappling queens with legit striking on the rise. Expect slick submissions, but don’t be shocked if someone gets clipped. The stakes? A shot at the strawweight elite in 2025.

Featured Bout: Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo

Cub Swanson, the OG fan favorite, meets Billy Quarantillo in a featherweight banger. Swanson’s creative striking and experience might give him the edge, but Quarantillo’s pace and electric crowd could turn this into a scrap for the ages.

Other Must-See Matchups

Adrian Yanez vs. Daniel Marcos (Bantamweight): Two sharpshooters ready to trade leather. Blink and you might miss a KO.

Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva (Flyweight): Kape is all flash and fire, but Silva’s got the grit to make this a dogfight.

Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar (Lightweight): Johnson’s been around forever, but Azaitar’s power might make this a short night.

Prelim Bangers

Joel Álvarez vs. Drakkar Klose (Lightweight): Submissions vs. pressure. Don’t sleep on this one.

Miles Johns vs. Felipe Lima (Featherweight): Explosive athletes throwing bombs. What’s not to like?

Event Details

Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024

Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida

Time: Prelims at 7:00 PM ET | Main Card at 10:00 PM ET

Where to Watch: ESPN2 and ESPN+

From Covington’s grind to Buckley’s KO threat plus Ribas vs. Dern’s grappling chess match, UFC Tampa is the card to end the year. Mark your calendars, fight fans—you won’t want to miss this one. Oss.

Image: UFC