UFC Tampa: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley: Live round-by-round updates

A welterweight match-up between Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley will headline UFC Tampa later tonight [Dec.14] at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

While still considered one of the finest talents at 170 pounds, Covington's (17-4) career has been on a decline in recent years. He is 2-3 in his last five, most recently conceding a unanimous decision loss to former champion Leon Edwards.

Nevertheless 'Chaos' is a former interim champion and boasts wins against the likes of Tyron Woodley, Rafael Dos Anjos, and Demian Maia among others.

Currently far from the title picture, he would be hoping to secure a statement win and turn his fortunes around.

Buckley (20-6) on the other hand has been on a dominant run since dropping down to 170 pounds. He is 5-0 as a UFC welterweight, most recently claiming a violent third-round KO win over former two-time title challenger Stephen Thompson. A win against Covington could get him in the title conversation.

Per Bet Online, Buckley is a -265 favorite over Covington for the match-up (+225 underdog). The main card of the event is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.

Check out the main event odds for UFC Tampa below:

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UFC Tampa: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley

Round 1

Buckley goes on the front foot trying his corner his opponent into the cage. Covington however seems comfortable on the feet with 'New Mansa' and is readily engaging with his opponent.

Buckley swings wild and misses with a flurry. Covington attempts a level change but 'New Mansa' effortlessly defends it. A cut appears on the right eye of 'Chaos'. Lopping shots land for Covington.

Buckley is clearly the more explosive and powerful puncher of the two, but that hasn't detracted 'Chaos' from engaging on the feet. 'Chaos' times a clinch and forces his opponent to the cage wall.

Covington's face is already bloodied. Buckley times a right hand which drops 'Chaos'. The bell saves the former interim champion.

Our score: 10-9 Buckley.

Round 2

As the second round unfolds Covington tries to punch his way into a takedown. Buckey stuffs it and lands a 1-2 followed by a knee on 'Chaos'. A desperate Covington shoots a takedown and this time completes it. He now has his opponent flattened on the ground.

However, a crafty Buckley muscles his way to his feet. The cut above Covington's eyes seems to be bothering him. 'Chaos' lands a crisp 1-2 on his opponent. Buckley is applying the pressure.

Covington seems like he has run out of ideas and is resorting to defending.

Our score: 10-9 Buckley.

Round 3

Covington shoots for a takedown right off the bat but fails to complete it. A stiff jab from Buckley stuns Covington. Another flurry of power shots lands for 'New Mansa'.

'Chaos' shoots for a takedown but gets reversed and mounted by Buckley. As they get back to their feet, Covington eats another flurry, his face is absolutely battered. Another scramble sees Buckley gain top control on Covington once again.

'New Mansa' tries to lock in a triangle but 'Chaos' reverses it and gains full mount. Covington lands some good elbows. Buckley makes his way to the cage and postures back to his feet.

He lands a knee to the head as they get back to their feet. The referee stops to fight and calls in the ring-side physician to check 'Chaos's' injury. After examining the cut on Covington's eye, the doctor advises the fight to be stopped.

The referee calls it, Buckley is the victor.

Official result: Joaquin Buckley def. Colby Covington via TKO doctor stoppage. (4:42 of Round 3)

Post-fight

Buckley calls out former champion Kamaru Usman.

Check out the official decision below: