Colby Covington blames the ‘DEI doctor’ for his TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley.
Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington is still reeling from his TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley weeks after their showdown at UFC on ESPN 63 on December 14. The fight marked Covington’s return to the octagon after a year-long hiatus, but it didn’t go as planned for the outspoken fighter.
A Tough Comeback for Covington
Covington stepped in as a late replacement to face Buckley in the main event after UFC reshuffled its card, matching Buckley’s original opponent, Ian Machado Garry, against Shavkat Rakhmonov instead. Covington’s last bout had been a unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December 2023.
Despite his reputation as a relentless competitor, Covington struggled against Buckley’s speed and power. Buckley successfully defended Covington’s takedown attempts and punished him with sharp strikes. The fight was stopped late in the third round due to a severe cut above Covington’s right eye.
Covington’s Reaction to the Stoppage
Covington has since criticized the stoppage, arguing that he could have turned the tide in the championship rounds. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he voiced his frustration:
“The fight, you know, we were just getting warmed up. Everyone knows I’m a fourth- and fifth-round fighter. That’s when I start to shine. I could’ve finished him in the fourth or fifth round—he was gassed. He had nothing left to give, no power in the later rounds.”
Covington’s claims reflect his confidence in his cardio and durability, which have historically been his strengths. However, critics argue that Buckley’s dominance in the first three rounds left little doubt about the fight’s trajectory.
Buckley’s Rising Star
For Joaquin Buckley, the victory solidifies his status as a rising contender in the welterweight division. Known for his explosive striking and viral knockouts, Buckley proved he could handle a high-pressure main event against a seasoned opponent like Covington.
The win positions Buckley as a serious threat in the division, potentially lining him up for high-profile matchups in the future.
Controversy Over ‘DEI Doctor’ Comments
In typical Covington fashion, the aftermath of the fight has been accompanied by polarizing commentary. Covington took aim at the ringside medical team, labeling them as “DEI doctors”—a term he used to criticize what he perceives as politically motivated decisions in sports. This remark has sparked backlash, with some accusing Covington of deflecting responsibility for his loss.
“They stopped the fight because of a little cut. I’ve fought through worse,” Covington said. “This is what happens when you bring politics into sports. They’re not looking out for the fighters; they’re looking out for optics.”
What’s Next for Covington?
The loss leaves Covington at a crossroads in his career. At 36 years old and coming off back-to-back defeats, questions about his future in the welterweight division are mounting. Covington has vowed to return stronger, but he’ll need to prove that he can still compete with the division’s elite.
Conclusion
While Covington grapples with the fallout from his TKO loss, Joaquin Buckley continues to ascend as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. The result has reshaped the welterweight landscape and left fans wondering if Covington can bounce back or if his best days are behind him.
For now, the debate over the stoppage and Covington’s controversial remarks only add to the intrigue surrounding one of the UFC’s most polarizing figures.
