Three-time title challenger and former interim champion Colby Covington is ending his year-long hiatus and moving on short notice to face Joaquin Buckley in the final UFC fight of the year.

Covington hasn’t fought since challenging Leon Edwards for the welterweight title at UFC 296 in Las Vegas last year. Although he came up short in this bid (and in each of his three title bids), “Chaos” has consistently proven himself to be one of the top contenders and toughest outs in the 170-pound weight class, going 16-1 at nonweight title fights during his career.

After a rocky run at middleweight, Buckley moved up to welterweight last year and has been on a roll ever since. He climbed into the top 10 with five straight wins. Last time out, “New Mansa” stopped Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson with a diving right hand that immediately ended their contention at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City.

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This is a fascinating fight on several levels, and the shortened lead-up to the fight also adds intrigue. Stylistically, it’s a classic grappler-versus-striker pairing, with Covington looking for opportunities to put Buckley on the canvas while the rising contender aims to stay on top, but it’s also a clash of Fighters at very different stages in their respective careers. Buckley is looking to get into the championship discussion for the first time, while Covington wants to prove he’s still all in.

Whatever the outcome, this will be an informative and entertaining matchup to close out 2024 in the Octagon.

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