Colby Covington plans to pull Joaquin Buckley into ‘deep waters’ at UFC on ESPN 63

TAMPA, Fla. – UFC on ESPN 63 headliner Colby Covington needs to point out that he’s nonetheless among the many finest at 170 kilos.

Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) takes on the streaking Joaquin Buckley (20-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) in Saturday’s welterweight primary occasion (ESPN2, ESPN+) at Amalie Area.

In his previous outing at UFC 296, Covington fell brief in his third try at undisputed gold when he lost a unanimous decision to Leon Edwards. Covington broke his foot early within the battle and has one thing to show to these writing him off after that efficiency.

“Folks have been making an attempt to trash my identify for too lengthy after I’ve fought one of the best fighters on the planet for eight to 10 years straight,” Covington advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 63 media day. “That is my alternative to come back out, beat a younger, hungry, up-and-comer that’s on an extended, five-fight win streak and has lots of hype behind his identify, explosive fingers.

“So, it’s a chance to convey him within the deep waters, in the principle occasion highlight, and present the world that I’m nonetheless one of the best welterweight on planet earth.”

Why Covington accepted Buckley battle

Along with his previous a number of bouts coming towards large names, many observers had been stunned to see Covington tackle a rising contender like Buckley. The previous multiple-time welterweight title challenger explains why he did.

“I needed to battle Shavkat (Rakhmonov),” Covington mentioned. “That was the battle I needed. I believe he’s all hype. He hasn’t fought anyone at my degree, an elite fighter in a five-round battle. So I used to be excited to battle Shavkat, however the UFC already had different plans. They mentioned, ‘Hey, we’re going to do the opposite battle with the cuck, Ian Garry.’

“So, they needed to try this battle, however they had been like, ‘OK, we have to fill this primary occasion with Joaquin Buckley in Tampa. He’s not a star. He’s a bum. He’s a no one. We’d like someone to promote this present. Are you able to be an organization man, come do it? I mentioned, ‘Completely, Hunter Campbell. No matter you want.’ I’m an organization man. I like this firm.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 63.