UFC Tampa is heating up with Covington vs. Buckley leading the charge. Dive into the best bets and stats for this high-stakes Fight Night clash!
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The octagon is heating up in Tampa as Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley headline one of the most highly anticipated UFC Fight Night events of the year. The UFC returns to Tampa’s Amalie Arena, a venue with a rich history of hosting unforgettable MMA action. This time, Covington and Buckley step into the octagon, bringing their contrasting styles and explosive potential to a city that knows how to celebrate fight night. Covington’s relentless wrestling meets Buckley’s knockout power in a clash that’s as much about strategy as it is about fireworks. Whether you’re tuning in for the action or looking to make some smart wagers, this article has you covered with the best bets and insights for this electrifying matchup.
| Statistic | Colby Covington | Joaquin Buckley |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Age | 36 years old | 30 years old |
| Reach | 72″ (183 cm) | 76″ (193 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Significant Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpM) | 3.88 | 4.13 |
| Significant Striking Accuracy | 52% | 40% |
| Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute (SApM) | 2.98 | 3.20 |
| Significant Strike Defense | 55% | 57% |
| Takedown Average per 15 Minutes | 3.79 | 1.96 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 44% | 46% |
| Takedown Defense | 67% | 69% |
| Knockout Rate | 18% (3 KOs in 17 wins) | 70% (14 KOs in 20 wins) |
Tampa’s UFC Fight Night “Covington vs. Buckley” is the classic tale of contrasting styles. This fight is a masterclass in contrasting styles. Colby Covington, known for his relentless cardio and grinding pace, averages a remarkable 3.79 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 44 percent takedown accuracy. His game plan revolves around constant pressure, controlling the fight on the ground, and outlasting his opponents. Joaquin Buckley, on the other hand, is a powerhouse striker with a devastating 70 percent knockout rate (14 from 20 wins). While Covington thrives on wearing his opponents down, Buckley’s explosive striking and ability to finish fights make him a constant threat from the opening bell.
Betting on fights to go the distance can be a profitable strategy, especially in matchups like this one where the fighters’ styles complement such outcomes. Covington’s grind-heavy approach and Buckley’s tendency to survive against grapplers make the distance bet (+120) particularly enticing.
UFC Trends:
The main event isn’t the only place to find value. Here are some undercard fights worth considering:
If you’re a fan of parlays, this five-leg bet (+679) focuses on fights expected to go the distance using lines from Hard Rock Bets:
For detailed odds and betting strategies, visit DraftKings or Best Fight Odds.
UFC Tampa promises to deliver unforgettable moments, and the Covington vs. Buckley main event is the perfect mix of strategy and chaos. Whether you’re betting on Covington’s grind, Buckley’s power, or exploring the value in the undercard, the key is to play smart and bet responsibly.
What’s your pick for the main event? Will Covington’s cardio or Buckley’s explosiveness steal the show? Share your thoughts and wagers in the comments below!
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