Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington returned to the Octagon at UFC Tampa after over a year away. Facing rising contender Joaquin Buckley in the main event, Covington found himself on the losing end for the second straight fight.
The contest was stopped in the third round after a cut above Covington’s right eye led to a doctor’s stoppage. Despite the loss, Covington voiced his disagreement with the decision and remained confident in his abilities.
Following the fight, Covington took to his YouTube channel to share his thoughts.
“We’re going to be back stronger than ever,” Covington stated. “This is just the beginning for me. I wasn’t at my best tonight. I came off the couch, but it was for the company. I did this for the company that I love so much, that changed my life.
I know that there’s still a lot of fight in me, and the best is yet to come. I was just getting warmed up in that fight.”
Regarding the stoppage, Covington conveyed his frustration. He claimed he was gaining momentum heading into the later rounds.
“I think it was tied up 1-1, and I was starting to wear on him. I could see him breathing out of his mouth. I was starting to catch him with more shots, so it’s unfortunate that they stopped it. Even Dana came out and said, ‘If that was in Vegas, that would have never been stopped.’ I took his hardest shots, and they were nothing. They didn’t faze me at all. I was walking right down, so we’ll come back stronger.”
The fight marked a strong performance from Buckley, who previously headlined UFC 296 against former welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
Buckley’s win against Covington adds another big name to his resume as he continues his rise in the division.
Meanwhile, Covington, who once sat at the top of the welterweight rankings, faces uncertainty after two consecutive losses. However, he has made it clear that he still feels he has more to offer and plans to make a comeback.
UFC President Dana White reportedly told Covington that such a stoppage would have been handled differently in Las Vegas, leaving room for debate over the controversial ending.
Despite his loss, Covington’s determination and outspoken personality make it likely that fans will see him return sooner rather than later to prove he still belongs in the upper echelon of the welterweight division.
