Covington Breaks Silence

It’s rare for Colby Covington to suffer a defeat, let alone to do so with such a deafening silence in the wake of it. Known for his outspoken persona and divisive mic work, the former UFC interim welterweight champion has finally broken his silence on his shocking loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa. The fight, which many fans expected Covington to dominate, ended with Buckley pulling off what some are calling the “upset of the year.”

For those who have followed Covington’s career, his out-of-the-cage persona often overshadows the fact that he is, by all accounts, a specialist inside the Octagon. Whether you love him or hate him, this particular loss has sparked debates ranging from tactics to legacyand now, Covington has offered his take.

“I Was Just Getting Warmed Up”: Covington’s Take

Covington addressed the loss in a recent interview, and trust us when we say that it was classic Covington. Leaning into his usual bravado, he insisted,

“I was just getting warmed up. Let’s call it what it washe caught me. It happens. Buckley got lucky, but everyone knows I’m still the best in the division.”

As confident as ever, Covington refused to give too much credit to Buckley. Instead, he pointed to what he called his relatively slow start, claiming the stoppage was premature. “The referee jumped in way too early,” Covington stated emphatically. “The fans came to see a fight, and I was just about to turn the tide.” This, of course, has been a refrain for fighters in the wake of high-profile defeats, but coming from Covington, it felt even more deliberate.

Breaking Down the Fight

Let’s rewind for those who missed the bout. The highly anticipated grudge match touted Covington’s grinding pace and cardio against Buckley’s explosive power and unorthodox striking. All signs pointed to Covington pressuring Buckley for five roundsbut this time, Covington’s script was flipped. Buckley came out swinging and stunned Covington early, utilizing a huge head kick that set the tone for the fight.

Midway through the second round, Buckley delivered a lethal combo that sent Covington crumbling to the canvas. Although Covington quickly tried to regain his footing, the referee had seen enough. Fans eruptedsome in euphoria, others in disbeliefas Buckley was declared the winner in what will likely go down as one of the biggest shocks of 2024.

The Fallout

This loss marks a significant dent in Covington’s resume. Having built much of his brand on the idea of being unbeatable apart from his razor-thin losses to Kamaru Usman, the narrative now shifts. Still, if there’s one thing Covington has shown the MMA world, it’s his incredible ability to bounce back.

Speaking about what’s next, Covington didn’t hesitate. “I’ll be back. Mark my words. I’m coming for everyone who thinks this changes anything. Buckley got lucky, and now everyone in the division is on notice.” Whether this is a bluff or the genuine resolve of a former champion remains to be seen. Either way, the ~chaos~ continues to swirl.

Joaquin Buckley: Stock on the Rise

Let’s not forget about the man on the other side of the cageJoaquin Buckley, the Architect of the Unexpected. Over recent years, Buckley has built a reputation for pulling off dazzling finishes, and this victory catapults him into an entirely new stratosphere.

“Respect to Colby, he’s a former champ for a reason,”

Buckley stated in his post-fight interview.

“But my time is now. They keep doubting me, and I keep proving them wrong.”

While Buckley’s highlight-reel KO’s have long been his calling card, this fight demonstrated his ability to strategize against high-level grapplers and perform on the sport’s grandest stages. Expect Buckley to get a big-name fight soon, if not an outright title eliminator.

A Bigger Picture: What This Loss Means for Covington

So where does “Chaos” Covington go from here? At 36 years old and with his polarizing personality, Covington occupies a unique space. A single lossno matter how shockingis unlikely to erase his relevance thanks to his gift of gab and knack for staying in the headlines. However, there’s no denying the stakes in his next fight have risen astronomically. A win could prove he still belongs among the elite. A second straight loss? That could spell trouble for a career built largely on momentum and reputation.

The Fans React

As expected, the MMA world was lit ablaze on social media after the fight. Some celebrated Buckley for humbling Covington, while others believe Covington’s excuses hold merit. Either way, fans are talking, and isn’t that what Covington has always wanted?

• A viral tweet read: “Colby Covington without cardio is like pizza without cheesewhat even is it?”
• Others wrote: “Joaquin Buckley just put the welterweight division on red alert.”
• Even Covington’s detractors admitted: “Love him or hate him, Covington will find a way to keep us entertained.”

The Final Word

Both fighters emerge from UFC Tampa with new narrativesBuckley as a bona fide contender, and Covington with something to prove. As for Colby Covington’s silence-breaking explanation? It’s classic Colby. Whether fans will credit his perspective or see it as an excuse, one thing is for certain: His road back to dominance just got a whole lot more intriguing.

If we’ve learned anything from Covington before, it’s this: never count him out completely. And if we’ve learned that Joaquin Buckley can dethrone an icon, then the welterweight division is far from predictable. Buckle upthe chaos is far from over.