Kamaru Usman: Joaquin Buckley targets Nigerian Nightmare after knockout win against Colby Covington

Joaquin Buckley won the UFC Tampa main event by dominating Colby Covington despite not getting the finish he desired.

Buckley dominated Covington on the feet from the opening to the last minute, using powerful combinations to batter the seasoned welterweight contender.

A terrible gash over Covington's eye was actually caused by an uppercut in the first round, and the cut only grew worse with each hit that was delivered.

Referee Dan Miragliotta had to halt the fight so the doctor could evaluate the damage by the time Buckley was hammering Covington with shots in the third round.

Buckley didn't want to end the main event like that but it was obvious that he was winning handily before the doctor protected Covington from more damage.

Regardless of the outcome of the bout, Buckley demonstrated that, at 170 pounds, he is now considered to be among the best fighters, and asked the audience to choose his next opponent.

He said, “Who do I want? My fans are going to pick my opponent.

“I’m going to give ya’ll three names. The one that ya’ll make the most noise for, that’s who I’m going to pick for my next opponent.

“First name right here — Leon Edwards? Second name, Kamaru Usman? And the last one: Take the throne from Belal Muhammad? I think it’s Kamaru Usman. Let’s go.”

The loudest cheer was for the Nigerian Nightmare Usman and a fight with Buckley now seems next in 2025.