Ian Garry to Headline UFC Tampa on December 14, Opponent Change from Colby Covington to Joaquin Buckley

Ian Garry Unable to Face Colby Covington in Upcoming Fight

Ian Garry, the rising star in the UFC welterweight division, will headline the UFC Fight Night event in Tampa on December 14. However, fans will be disappointed to learn that Garry will not be facing his desired opponent, Colby Covington. With an impressive record of 15 wins and no losses, Garry has openly expressed his desire to fight Covington since Covington’s unsuccessful title shot last December. Following his victory over Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303 in June, Ian Garry intensified his push for a bout with the former interim champion, even stating that he had received an offer for the fight.

However, despite Garry’s eagerness, Covington, now 36 years old, seems to have declined the fight, leading the UFC to schedule Garry’s next bout against Joaquin Buckley. Buckley is a talented fighter with a record of 20 wins and 6 losses. This match will be an opportunity for Ian Garry to maintain his unbeaten record, but it also adds significant pressure as  Joaquin Buckley is currently in good form.

Joaquin Buckley – A Tough Opponent for Ian Garry

Joaquin Buckley, who is making a strong return after moving down to welterweight, has made a mark with a five-fight winning streak, including impressive victories over Vicente Luque and Stephen Thompson. Buckley’s rapid progress has propelled him into the top 10 of the welterweight rankings, making him a formidable opponent for Garry. The fight between Garry and Buckley promises to be exciting, with both fighters highly motivated: Joaquin Buckley seeks to establish himself and aim for his first title shot, while Ian Garry aims to protect his perfect record. The event in Tampa will conclude the UFC schedule for 2024, offering fans a thrilling night of fights and top performances from both fighters.