Joaquin Buckley has set his sights on former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, famously known as the “Nigerian Nightmare,” following his commanding TKO victory over Colby Covington at UFC Tampa.
Buckley dominated the main event from start to finish, showcasing precise striking and relentless pressure. From the opening bell, he battered Covington with powerful combinations, including a vicious uppercut in the first round that opened a deep gash above Covington’s eye.
As the fight progressed, the damage worsened, and by the third round, referee Dan Miragliotta called for a doctor’s stoppage to protect Covington from further punishment. Despite the anticlimactic ending, Buckley left no doubt about his superiority on the night.
“I didn’t want it to end like that, but I was clearly winning,” Buckley said after the fight. “I’ve shown that I’m one of the best at 170 pounds now.”
During his post-fight interview, Buckley turned to the audience to help decide his next opponent. “Who do I want? My fans are going to pick my opponent,” he declared. “I’m going to give y’all three names. The one that y’all make the most noise for, that’s who I’m going to pick for my next opponent.
“First name right here — Leon Edwards? Second name, Kamaru Usman? And the last one: Take the throne from Belal Muhammad? I think it’s Kamaru Usman. Let’s go.”
The crowd erupted at the mention of Usman, making the former champion the most likely candidate for Buckley’s next fight. A clash between Buckley and Usman now appears poised to take place in 2025, with fans eagerly anticipating the matchup.
Buckley’s emphatic performance has solidified his status as one of the division’s elite, and a showdown with the “Nigerian Nightmare” could be his chance to further cement his legacy.
