Buckley's Big Break: A Cut-short Victory over Covington

Joaquin Buckley scored a major victory at UFC on ESPN 63, defeating former title challenger Colby Covington by doctor stoppage. The fight took place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, and ended at 4:42 of Round 3 due to a nasty cut on Covington's right eyebrow. The cut worsened throughout the bout, prompting the doctor to intervene and stop the fight. Buckley had a strong performance, landing several blows and successfully defending most of Covington's takedown attempts. Despite scoring a takedown early in Round 3, Covington struggled to keep up with Buckley's striking. This win marks Buckley's sixth consecutive victory, boosting his position in the divisional rankings. Covington, accompanied by Hulk Hogan for his walkout and Chael Sonnen in his corner, was looking to bounce back from a previous loss to champion Leon Edwards. However, this defeat marks his second straight loss and third in his last four fights. After the fight, Buckley polled the crowd on his next opponent, with Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards, and Belal Muhammad being the top choices. The event was a significant moment in Buckley's career, showcasing his skills and resilience in the ring.