Prepare for an action-packed look at UFC Tampa, where Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley square off in a thrilling main event to close out 2024. The Ringside Report MMA crew doesn’t just stop there—they recap Ciryl Gane’s dominance at UFC 310, dig into Conor McGregor’s ongoing drama, and break down the fight card with bold predictions and heated debates. From live audience commentary to expert analysis, this episode has everything a fight fan could ask for.
UFC Tampa Card Predictions: Covington vs. Buckley
The UFC Tampa event, featuring Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley as the main event, has fans buzzing. This welterweight bout was arranged after Ian Machado Garry shifted to UFC 310. Dave kicked off the predictions by breaking down Covington’s striking game. “Covington’s cardio and pace are hard to match,” he noted. Fred countered by emphasizing Buckley’s knockout power. “If Buckley connects, Covington’s night could end early,” he said.
AJ chimed in with a wildcard pick: “Don’t sleep on Buckley’s ground game. If he mixes it up, this fight could go his way.”
Predictions for the card included:
- Dave: Covington by decision.
- Fred: Buckley via second-round KO.
- AJ: Covington by unanimous decision.
Notable matchups like Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo also sparked debate. The co-main event has implications for the featherweight rankings. “Swanson’s experience gives him the edge,” Fred argued. AJ leaned towards Quarantillo’s aggressive style: “He’s younger, hungrier, and ready to make a statement.”
The panel’s UFC Tampa predictions will fuel conversations heading into fight night.
Reflections on UFC 310: Ciryl Gane’s Dominance and Other Highlights
The team also took time to recap UFC 310, which featured Ciryl Gane’s spectacular performance in the main event. “Gane looked flawless,” Dave said. “His striking precision and movement were on another level.”
Fred praised Gane’s ability to handle a tough opponent: “It’s one thing to win, but Gane made it look easy against someone like Tom Aspinall.” AJ agreed, adding, “This win cements Gane as one of the most dangerous heavyweights heading into 2025.”
The panel also highlighted key performances on the undercard, including Ian Machado Garry’s victory that set the stage for his next big fight. “Garry’s striking is so crisp; he’s a future contender without question,” Fred remarked. Audience members were quick to chime in, with one fan commenting, “Gane vs. Jon Jones is the fight to make next year.”
Conor McGregor: From Superstar to Sideshow?
Conor McGregor dominated the conversation for a significant portion of the show. His recent Twitter tirades, including a jab at Demetrious Johnson, drew ire from Fred. “At least Mighty Mouse isn’t facing legal troubles,” Fred quipped, referencing McGregor’s tumultuous personal life.
Dave expressed his frustration with McGregor’s lack of activity in the octagon. “At this point, he’s all talk. He’s not relevant to the fight game anymore,” he stated. The audience chimed in through live chats, with one viewer commenting, “McGregor needs to fight or retire. Enough with the drama.”
AJ offered a nuanced take: “McGregor can still draw numbers, but his peak is behind him. The sport has moved on.”
Despite the criticism, the hosts acknowledged McGregor’s influence. His name still commands attention, but as Dave put it, “The hype isn’t backed up by action anymore.”
The Return of Featherweight Fireworks
Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo isn’t just a co-main event; it’s a clash of generations. A seasoned veteran, Swanson brings years of experience and a fan-favourite style. Quarantillo, on the other hand, represents the next wave of featherweight talent.
Fred backed Swanson, stating, “You can’t discount the knowledge and adaptability Swanson brings.” AJ countered, highlighting Quarantillo’s relentless pressure. “Billy’s cardio and volume could overwhelm Swanson,” he said.
The audience was split. Some supported Swanson, praising his durability, while others leaned towards Quarantillo’s upside. One fan noted in the chat, “Quarantillo has the tools to take over the division if he wins.”
Final Thoughts: UFC Tampa and Beyond
The Ringside Report MMA crew wrapped up with their overall excitement for UFC Tampa. “This is a stacked card to close out 2024,” Dave said. AJ highlighted the diversity of styles on display, while Fred emphasized the stakes for fighters looking to end the year on a high note.
Key UFC Tampa Predictions
- Covington vs. Buckley: Dave and AJ chose Covington; Fred picked Buckley.
- Swanson vs. Quarantillo: Fred backed Swanson; AJ chose Quarantillo.
- Maverick vs. Horth: A unanimous pick for Miranda Maverick.
- Kape vs. Silva: Split predictions, with Fred choosing Kape and AJ favoring Silva.
Getting Heated for the First Battles of 2025
The upcoming showdown between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 has escalated from a standard professional matchup into a fiery rivalry. Like a storm amassing its power, the tension between these top bantamweights grows with each encounter. Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten record paired with Dvalishvili’s championship pedigree sets the scene for a thrilling battle that surpasses typical competition, promising fight fans an unforgettable moment in UFC history. Read the detailed article here to learn more.
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