UFC Tampa

Joaquin Buckley – Under 40 Years Old

Colby Covington is stepping into the Octagon against 30-year-old Joaquin Buckley in a surprising matchup that breaks away from Covington’s usual trend of older, less active opponents. Here’s why this fight is so unexpected and why it matters.

Colby Covington

A History of Older Opponents

Covington’s record over the past seven years tells a peculiar story:

  • He has fought only three opponents under the age of 37 during this time. He lost to two of them and won only against Rafael dos Anjos, a former lightweight.
  • In the last five years, he’s gone 0-3 against fighters younger than 37.

Perhaps even more striking is the state of his recent victories:

  • None of Covington’s defeated opponents over the past seven years are currently ranked in the welterweight division.
  • Four out of the five fighters he beat between 2017 and 2024 have since retired from MMA, highlighting the advanced age of his competition.
  • Only one of those five opponents entered their fight with Covington on a winning streak—the others were coming off losses.

Joaquin Buckley

The Joaquin Buckley Factor

Joaquin Buckley marks a significant departure from Covington’s usual competition. Not only is Buckley the first fighter younger than Covington that he has faced since 2016, but he’s also one of the most dangerous opponents Covington has drawn in years.

Here’s what makes Buckley stand out:

  • At 30 years old, he is six years younger than Covington, making him the youngest opponent Covington has faced in the UFC.
  • Buckley is currently ranked #9 in the welterweight division, riding a five-fight win streak.
  • He’s a proven finisher, with seven of his ten UFC wins coming via stoppage.

Adding to the intrigue, Buckley has been incredibly active, competing 14 times in the last four years. In contrast, Covington has fought 16 times over a ten-year UFC career, highlighting a stark difference in activity levels.

Colby Covington MAGA

Why This Fight Matters

Covington has long aligned himself with the “Make America Great Again” slogan, but fans are speculating that Buckley—a younger, hungry American fighter—might be the one to push Covington out of the top six and usher in a new era of welterweight contenders.

For Buckley, this fight represents a massive opportunity to prove himself against a high-profile opponent. For Covington, it’s a chance to silence critics who question his recent level of competition and to show he can still handle a dangerous, prime opponent.

What to Expect

With Buckley’s relentless style and finishing ability, this fight promises fireworks. Covington’s high-paced pressure and wrestling pedigree have been his bread and butter, but against a younger, more dynamic fighter like Buckley, he’ll need to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Will Covington defy expectations and hold his ground, or will Buckley deliver a career-defining performance and make his mark in the welterweight division? We’ll find out soon enough when they face off next month.

Regardless of the outcome, this fight is a pivotal moment for both fighters and a matchup that could shake up the top of the welterweight rankings.

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