Joaquin Buckley’s dominant TKO victory over Colby Covington at UFC Tampa has firmly established him as a top contender in the UFC Welterweight division. With his relentless striking and strong defensive wrestling, Buckley improved his record to 21-6 and is now ranked #6 in the division. His performance was a statement win, as he neutralized Covington’s takedown attempts and showcased his striking power, eventually leading to a doctor’s stoppage due to a severe cut over Covington’s right eye. Buckley’s impressive win, paired with his growing momentum, has put him in a strong position to challenge for a title shot.

After this dominant victory, the next logical step for Buckley would be to face a high-ranked opponent. Two potential matchups stand out: a clash with former UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards or a showdown with Kamaru Usman, the former champion who recently made his Middleweight debut.

Joaquin Buckley vs. Leon Edwards

Edwards, currently ranked #1 in the UFC Welterweight rankings, is coming off a tough loss to Belal Muhammad and would likely be eager to bounce back. A matchup between Buckley and Edwards would feature Buckley’s explosive striking and power against Edwards’ championship-level experience and well-rounded game. With Buckley looking to break into the title picture and Edwards aiming for a strong rebound, this fight could determine the next top contender for the UFC Welterweight Championship. Edwards’ grappling and striking would present a tough challenge for Buckley, making this a high-stakes contest for both fighters.

Joaquin Buckley vs. Kamaru Usman

Another intriguing option for Buckley is a bout with Kamaru Usman, who is ranked #3 in the division. Usman, who recently made his Middleweight debut, is coming off a series of tough losses to Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev. A fight between Buckley and Usman would be an exciting clash of styles, with Buckley’s knockout power and striking ability taking on Usman’s well-rounded skills and wrestling pedigree. This contest could be a defining moment for Buckley, as he looks to rise through the ranks, while Usman aims to reassert himself as a dominant force in the UFC Welterweight division.

Joaquin Buckley

* Professional Record: 21-6 (11-4 UFC)
* UFC Welterweight Ranking: #6

Last Five Fights:

* Win vs. Colby Covington – TKO (doctor stoppage), UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley, December 14, 2024
* Win vs. Stephen Thompson – KO (punch), UFC 307, October 5, 2024
* Win vs. Nursulton Ruziboev – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento, May 11, 2024
* Win vs. Vicente Luque – TKO (punches), UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot, March 30, 2024
* Win vs. Alex Morono – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Dawson vs. Green, October 7, 2023

Leon Edwards

* Professional Record: 22-4 (1 NC)
* UFC Welterweight Ranking: #1

Last Five Fights:

* Loss vs. Belal Muhammad – Decision (unanimous), UFC 304, Round 5
* Win vs. Colby Covington – Decision (unanimous), UFC 296, Round 5
* Win vs. Kamaru Usman – Decision (majority), UFC 286, Round 5
* Win vs. Kamaru Usman – KO (head kick), UFC 278, Round 5
* Win vs. Nate Diaz – Decision (unanimous), UFC 263, Round 5

Kamaru Usman

* Professional Record: 20-4
* UFC Welterweight Ranking: #3

Last Five Fights:

* Loss vs. Khamzat Chimaev – Decision (majority), UFC 294, October 21, 2023
* Loss vs. Leon Edwards – Decision (majority), UFC 286, March 18, 2023
* Loss vs. Leon Edwards – KO (head kick), UFC 278, August 20, 2022
* Win vs. Colby Covington – Decision (unanimous), UFC 268, November 6, 2021
* Win vs. Jorge Masvidal – KO (punch), UFC 261, April 24, 2021