We asked AI to predict the winner of Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa (and it gave a definitive reply)

The UFC Tampa headliner between Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley is being viewed as a pivotal showdown for both welterweight contenders. Google's AI Gemini has put forth a rather definitive prediction for Covington vs. Buckley.

The AI suggested that although Buckley has displayed the ability to KO his opponents and explosive power, Covington is a truly skilled and experienced combatant who boasts unrelenting pressure and a formidable wrestling foundation.

It was emphasized that 'Chaos' is capable of wearing his foes down and controlling the fight's pace, which could be a difference-maker in the upcoming matchup. It's suggested that Buckley will likely face difficulty in dealing with Covington's grappling prowess and unwavering pace.

Additionally, it was asserted that Covington's tactical approach and his experience will hand him a considerable edge against 'New Mansa'. Buckley's power was acknowledged yet again, but the prediction entailed that 'Chaos' has greater wrestling and overall grappling that will probably nullify his foe's offensive abilities.

Considering the variables at play, Covington (17-4 MMA) emerging victorious against Buckley (20-6 MMA) via decision in the UFC Tampa showdown is being deemed the likeliest result.

Nevertheless, the AI indicated that it's simply a prediction and anything's possible when the fighters compete inside the octagon. In a nutshell, it implied that, given both athletes' weaknesses and strengths, a win for 'Chaos' is seemingly the likeliest outcome.

Screenshot of Google's AI prediction for Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley

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Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley prediction: Ian Machado Garry gives his pick for UFC Tampa

Initially, UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was to defend his belt against Shavkat Rakhmonov in the UFC 310 headliner this weekend. Meanwhile, Ian Machado Garry was booked to face Joaquin Buckley in the headlining match of UFC Tampa next Saturday.

However, a bone infection in his left foot ruled Muhammad out in late October, resulting in a major reshuffle. Garry was pulled from UFC Tampa and rebooked to fight Rakhmonov in an expected welterweight title eliminator, which will co-headline UFC 310. Also, Covington stepped in to fight Buckley in the main event of UFC Tampa.

During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ian Machado Garry pointed out that he'd long been campaigning for a grudge match against Covington. The Irishman noted that Covington directed trash talk against his wife and children, adding that after all the personal verbal jibes, 'Chaos' kept evading him.

Citing a supposed instance of Covington's alleged ducking, Garry highlighted that as soon as he was booked against Rakhmonov, 'Chaos' agreed to fight Buckley. Opining that he foresees the ex-interim UFC welterweight champion losing to Buckley in a one-sided fight, 'The Future' said:

"He's an absolute coward, and I believe he's going to go out there and going to get absolutely steamrolled by Joaquin Buckley. I think Buckley starches him."

Watch Garry's assessment below (10:44):