Dec 14, 2024; Tampa, Florida, UNITED STATES; Colby Covington (red gloves) reacts after the fight against Joaquin Buckley (blue gloves) at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Colby Covington

Stepping in on short notice, Colby Covington faced Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa in a welterweight battle during the main event. Buckley’s striking made a significant impact and his clean shots landed effectively, resulting in a cut above Covington’s eye. The fight was stopped by the doctor during the third round, awarding Buckley a TKO victory. According to all three judges, Buckley was winning 20-18 due to his clean boxing. He was inflicting plenty of damage with big shots as well.

Future Fights

  • Tony Ferguson
  • Carlos Prates
  • Michael “Venom” Page

Tony Ferguson

A matchup with Tony Ferguson would present an exciting clash between two seasoned veterans aiming to rebound after recent losses. Ferguson’s creativity and unorthodox striking could provide a challenge for Covington’s pressure wrestling style, making it a true contest. Both fighters have faced adversity in their last few outings and if both guys got to meet inside the octagon at this stage of their careers, it would make for a fun fight and build up too. This matchup would feature two legends of the sport who came a very long way during their careers.

Carlos Prates Photo by Chris Unger | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Carlos Prates

Fighting Carlos Prates could be an intriguing test for Covington. The fans have already asked for it. Prates, a quickly emerging welterweight with powerful striking, would challenge Covington’s wrestling game. This fight would not only give Prates the opportunity to prove himself against a top-tier opponent but also allow Covington to bounce back after his recent loss. Prates is one of those fighters that people expect a lot from and coming off a loss, the legend in Colby Covington who possesses lots of experience and a different style, would be a fun test for Prates. If  Covington were to put a stop to this momentum, it would serve as a huge upset and an even bigger bounce-back victory.

Michael “Venom” Page of England poses for a portrait after his victory during the UFC 299 event at Kaseya Center on March 9, 2024 in Miami. (Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Michael “Venom” Page:  

A bout with Michael “Venom” Page would offer a clash of contrasting styles, with MVP’s striking and creativity going up against Covington’s wrestling. The fight would generate excitement due to the contrasting personalities and fighting styles, and it would allow Page to challenge a UFC wrestler while Covington seeks to prove his versatility against a dynamic striker. MVP is lined up for a fight with Shara Bullet, but his unorthodox striking against Covington’s wrestling pressure would be exciting.

If MVP gets it done against Shara, he may be bound for bigger & better opponents. However, coming off of a loss alongside Covington might just be the last piece of the puzzle to make this fight a reality.

Dec 14, 2024; Tampa, Florida, UNITED STATES; Vitor Petrino (red gloves) fights Dustin Jacoby (blue gloves) at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Vitor Petrino

Vitor Petrino suffered a devastating knockout loss to Dustin Jacoby at UFC Tampa. The bout, which had been competitive, saw Jacoby turn the tide with a one-punch knockout in the third round after the crowd began to boo inside the arena. This marked a crucial win for Jacoby, who had been looking to find that special one-punch knockout in his recent fights. Petrino’s original momentum after going 4-0 to kickstart his tenure with the UFC has been brought to a brutal stop having now lost two in a row. He will need to get back to his roots and dominate in his next appearance.

Future Fights:

  • Alonzo Menifield
  • Marcin Prachnio
  • Ihor Potieria

Photo by Josh Hedges | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Alonzo Menifield

A potential matchup with Alonzo Menifield could be an exciting one. Both fighters are in similar positions and both coming off a loss. Menifield’s aggressive striking would clash well with Petrino’s well rounded skill set. A win for either fighter would be crucial and help them get back on track in the win column. Here, you would get two hungry fighters with strong abilities which would make for a banger of a fight.

Marcin Prachnio 

Fighting Marcin Prachnio would offer an opportunity for both fighters to showcase their skills and build momentum during times where they really need it. Prachnio’s striking could pose a unique challenge to Petrino, making this an interesting stylistic matchup. The winner would put themselves in a good position to begin trying to make a run into the rankings. Likely ending in a KO, this is a fight fans would love to see.

Ihor Potieria

Taking on Ihor Potieria would make for an exciting stylistic matchup. Both fighters have finished many of their opponents and face the same struggle right now within their careers: consecutive losses. Given the results of their last fights, this fight would be very important for each of these fighters’ careers. Both know what it’s like to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series and if this fight were to get made, you may see that same sense of urgency once again.

Dec 14, 2024; Tampa, Florida, UNITED STATES; at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Adrian Yanez

Adrian Yanez fell on the short end of a decision in a battle with the undefeated Daniel Marcos. For the duration of this fight, it stayed on the feet and both fighters exhibited some fun striking. Yanez is known as one of the most exciting strikers in the bantamweight division but Marcos was able to stay out of danger and pick Yanez apart from the outside. Both fighters had their moments but the precision and patience paid off for Marcos.

Future Fights

  • Da’Mon Blackshear
  • Kyler Phillips
  • Pedro Munhoz

Da’Mon Blackshear

Adrian Yañez and Da’Mon Blackshear would be an exciting clash of styles, pitting Yañez’s striking against Blackshear’s well-rounded game and wrestling. After his recent defeat, Yañez could use this fight to regain momentum. Blackshear possesses a real threat on the ground with his elite grappling and effective submissions but if Yanez can keep the fight standing, he may be able to get back on track by resorting to his roots.

Kyler Phillips

A fight with Kyler Phillips would be highly entertaining, as both fighters are known for their fast-paced and exciting approaches. Yañez, eager to rebound from his loss, would face another skilled contender in Phillips, with both fighters’ striking abilities on display. Phillips’ grappling would challenge Yañez’s stand-up game, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fight. This bout would serve as an important step for both fighters in climbing the bantamweight rankings. It would be really interesting to see the two throw hands but if Phillips can mix in the wrestling like he did against Rob Font, it would serve as a major advantage.

Pedro Munhoz

Lastly, Pedro Munhoz would present a test to Yañez’s striking skills against his veteran experience and well-rounded abilities. Munhoz, known for his gritty style and dangerous leg kicks, would pose a threat in all areas. For Yañez, a victory over Munhoz would provide a major boost coming off a loss as Munhoz is one of those fighters who is known to bring a fight and on top of it, he’s a seasoned veteran who’s seen it all. If Munhoz can mix up his game and stay away from big shots thrown by Yanez, this would make for a very interesting fight.

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