Post-UFC Tampa rankings update: Joaquin Buckley's welterweight rise almost kicks Colby Covington out of top 10, lightweight sees new entrant
UFC Tampa delivered major rankings shakeups, punctuated by Joaquin Buckley’s notable surge in the welterweight division. The organization's fourth visit to Tampa delivered an impressive lineup, showcasing a well-rounded 13-fight card that featured seven thrilling finishes.
Buckley climbed three spots to No. 6 in the 170-pound rankings following a dominant TKO (doctor’s stoppage) victory over former title challenger Colby Covington. Buckley battered Covington from the opening bell, stuffing takedowns and inflicting relentless damage that ultimately forced the stoppage in the third round. Once a perennial contender, Covington slips three spots to No. 9 as Buckley firmly establishes himself as a formidable threat in the welterweight ranks.
Manel Kape also rose three spots in the flyweight division to No. 6 after defeating Bruno Silva via TKO in the third round. Kape showcased an aggressive performance with sharp striking, putting on a sensational clinic against his rival. Silva, who endured the relentless punishment until the stoppage, drops one spot to No. 13. This emphatic victory adds momentum to Kape’s case for inclusion in the flyweight title conversation in the coming year.
The lightweight rankings saw a new entrant as Joel Alvarez debuts at No. 15 following the highlight-reel KO victory over Drakkar Klose. Alvarez landed a flying knee in the first round, sealing his fourth consecutive win and maintaining his 100% finishing rate. This victory forces Grant Dawson off the rankings and solidifies Alvarez as a rising contender in the stacked lightweight division.
Miranda Maverick has also earned her way back into the official UFC women’s flyweight rankings with the hard-fought decision win over Jamey-Lyn Horth. Maverick secured her third victory of the year by controlling the final round with timely takedowns and effective striking. The 27-year-old wraps up a perfect 2024 campaign, winning her fourth consecutive fight and reclaiming her spot in the competitive women’s flyweight division, forcing Casey O’Neill out of the rankings.
Check out all the updated rankings below (via:@JohnMorgan_MMA on X):
Michael Bisping claims Colby Covington "was not good enough" against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa
Michael Bisping believes Joaquin Buckley outclassed Colby Covington in all departments at UFC Tampa. Covington suffered a TKO (doctor-stoppage) loss after a cut on his right eyelid seemingly impaired his vision.
Despite taking the fight on short notice, Bisping feels Covington struggled to match Buckley’s speed, power, and striking. Buckley controlled the fight early, opening a significant cut and landing clean shots that left Covington’s face bloodied. Speaking about Covington's performance on his YouTube channel, Bisping said:
"He [Covington] was not good enough, he wasn’t quick enough, he wasn’t powerful enough with the wrestling. Joaquin Buckley just kind of picked him apart, busted him up early, and opened up a cut right on the eyelid. It was a really good performance. Now granted, Colby Covington as the fight was going on, was having more success with the wrestling. But his face was a mess. He was getting pieced up by Joaquin Buckley.”
Check out Michael Bisping's comments below (2:00):