Colby Covington vs Joaquin Buckley — Fight recap

Joaquin Buckley defeated Colby Covington via TKO due to doctor's stoppage in the third round at 4:42, handing the former title contender a significant setback on December 14, 2024. Buckley's superior striking efficiency proved decisive, landing 75 of 151 significant strikes (49%) compared to Covington's 37 of 124 (29%), with a particular edge in head strikes at 59 of 131.

Covington managed only one successful takedown from eight attempts while Buckley stuffed his sole takedown try, and the striking volume disparity reflected Buckley's control of the bout's pace. Covington accumulated 3:40 of control time against Buckley's 1:18, suggesting moments of grappling activity, but the cumulative damage from Buckley's sustained striking attack forced the ringside physician to intervene.

This loss raises serious questions about Covington's ability to compete at the elite welterweight level and potentially signals a shift in divisional hierarchy.