Overview

UFC President Dana White observed a surprising level of composure from former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington following the controversial cut stoppage during Saturday's main event at UFC on ESPN 63 in Tampa, Florida.

Fight Details

Covington (17-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) returned to the octagon after a year-long hiatus but faced an uphill battle against Joaquin Buckley (22-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC). In the first round, Covington suffered a severe cut on his right eyelid, which only worsened as the fight progressed. Despite his best efforts to continue fighting through the pain, the cageside physician ultimately deemed it unsafe for him to continue at the conclusion of the third round.

Significance of the Fight

This bout marked a significant moment in Covington's career, representing the first time he has lost back-to-back fights. White characterized Covington's reaction to the stoppage as surprisingly subdued, suggesting that the fighter realized the inevitable conclusion to the match.

Dana White's Remarks

“Colby’s an older guy who fights infrequently,” White remarked to media outlets including MMA Junkie. “He’s always durable and tough. I also feel like Colby wasn’t too upset that the fight got stopped due to the cut. It was definitely bothering him.”

Impact of the Cut

White observed that Covington frequently returned to the fight only to reopen the cut, indicating just how much it affected him. Despite the doctor's judgment, White expressed that the fight might have persisted had it taken place in Nevada, where regulatory standards in similar situations often allow for more leniency.

Regulatory Standards Comparison

"No doubt that was a bad cut, but that fight doesn’t get stopped in Vegas,” White noted. “That fight keeps going in Vegas—100 percent. Love him or hate him, the guy’s a warrior—tough as nails. He took significant shots to both the body and head that would have knocked out many others. Covington is resilient and tough, but with a cut like that, anything can happen.”

Speculation About Covington's Future

As the speculation about Covington’s future continues, fans are left wondering how this defeat will shape his path forward in one of the sport's most competitive divisions. With a reputation for bouncing back from setbacks, Covington's next move could be crucial as he aims to reclaim his standing among the elite fighters in the UFC.