Colby Covington‘s much-anticipated octagon return at UFC Tampa didn’t go as planned. The former welterweight title contender got dominated by a young and hungry Joaquin Buckley. The fight was stopped by the cage side doctor after Covington suffered a cut, but as it turns out the fighter wasn’t happy with it at all.
During the early rounds, Colby Covington got a cut on his right eyelid which resulted in blood gushing out. As it got worse, the referee stopped the fight and asked the doctor to check. The fight was then stopped and the referee awarded Buckley the win. According to the ‘Chaos’, it was unnecessary as he was just getting started.
Everyone knows I’m a fourth and fifth-round fighter, I’m just getting started getting into those championship rounds. I could’ve finished him in that fourth and fifth round, he was breathing heavy. He didn’t have much more to offer…It’s unfortunate that DEI doctor stopped the fight early. I thought it was just getting started.
Colby Covington via his YouTube channel
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The recent times in the US has seen companies and government agencies hiring people based on DEI. As such, Covington blamed the female doctor as a DEI hire and believed non-DEI doctors wouldn’t have stopped the fight.
Covington refused the narrative that he got dominated in the fight. The American fighter believes he didn’t get outclassed or dropped and was getting better with time. The All-American wrestler was confident about making a late return in the fight and getting the much-needed win.
Colby Covington reacts to his loss at #UFCTampa, and says he was cut by a headbutt from Joaquin Buckley early in the fight
“I could’ve finished him in that 4th or 5th round… It’s unfortunate that the DEI doctor stopped the fight early.”
🎥 @ColbyCovMMApic.twitter.com/1gJXr54Tr2
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 31, 2024
Colby Covington is well known for his incredible cardio and relentless pressure. In the past, fans have seen him doing well in the last rounds due to his stamina. However, the cut was massive and CEO Dana White said Covington wasn’t even that annoyed when the doctor stopped it.
UFC legend talks about Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley fight
Bloody fights have always been a part of UFC and there is no escape from them. When two fighters enter the octagon to best each other, nasty cuts and blood are common. These moments, though controversial, highlight the brutal reality of MMA and the need for health precautions.
Colby Covington at UFC Tampa (via MMA Fighting)Doctors who make these calls are often subjected to criticism but as a professional, they often focus on fighter’s safety. UFC veteran Michael Bisping was there at UFC Tampa and interviewed Joaquin Buckley after the fight. On his YouTube channel, he shared how severe the cut was.
First round, nasty cut open. Right above the eye kid. In between rounds, they clean that up and it doesn’t look too bad but within seconds of every round, blood was pouring down….when I got into the octagon to interview, there was massive pools of thick blood.
Michael Bisping via his YouTube channel
Colby Covington isn’t ready to accept his defeat. The fighter justified his loss by claiming that he didn’t train due to his involvement in Donald Trump‘s election campaign. However, at 36 years old, many fans are doubtful about him making a comeback in the welterweight division.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
