Joaquin Buckley aims to KO Colby Covington, emerge as No. 1 contender

TAMPA, Fla. – Joaquin Buckley will look to stake his declare at UFC on ESPN 63.

Buckley (20-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) meets former three-time welterweight title challenger Colby Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) in Saturday’s principal occasion (ESPN2, ESPN+) at Amalie Area in Tampa, Fla.

This previous Saturday at UFC 310, Shavkat Rakhmonov (16-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) cemented himself because the No. 1 contender with a unanimous resolution win over Ian Machado Garry. Nonetheless, Buckley thinks if he can ship one other highlight-reel end, the title shot could possibly be his as an alternative.

“I really feel like I’m leapfrogging over Shavkat,” Buckley advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 63 media day. “I really feel like he’s damage susceptible, too. I really feel like he’s at all times getting injured, one thing’s at all times unsuitable with him. So, he won’t even present as much as the struggle, and it’d simply be me and Belal subsequent 12 months.

“However but once more, the efficiency has acquired to talk first. I can’t simply go on the market and get my hand raised by a break up resolution. Then I don’t need it. But when I am going on the market and do what I do know I can do, get the Knockout of the Yr, then yeah, I’m taking my belt.”

Buckley breaks down Rakhmonov at UFC 310

Buckley explains that Rakhmonov didn’t impress him towards Machado Garry. He anticipated an even bigger sense of urgency from each fighters, particularly contemplating what was on the road.

“It was boring, although,” Buckley stated. “You’ve acquired two undefeated guys. You’ve acquired one which’s a finisher and one which’s a sniper. I used to be anticipating one in every of these guys to go on the market and provides it their all and never simply stay undefeated, however take someone’s 0 for actual.

“A superb end, particularly while you acquired that title on the road, and you already know that you could possibly be subsequent or you already know you’ll be subsequent to struggle for that title. You bought to go on the market and carry out like that, and neither one in every of them did.”

If Rakhmonov is certainly subsequent for UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, Buckley sees him struggling his first loss.

“I’m going with Belal,” Buckley stated. “Not solely am I going with Belal, I believe Belal can get a end on this one by way of submission.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 63.