Colby Covington’s weekend in Tampa was full of spectacle, trash talk, and high-profile appearances—but it ended in disappointment inside the cage. The UFC veteran’s brash persona took center stage leading up to his fight against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa, but the night ultimately turned into a nightmare after a tough loss and a wave of online ridicule.
Covington’s Pre-Fight Trash Talk Targets LeBron James
Known for his controversial and outspoken nature, Covington grabbed headlines earlier in the week by taking aim at NBA superstar LeBron James during a press event.
“I wanna ask LeBron, what does he mean by ‘There’s no party like a Diddy party?’” Covington sneered. “LeBron, how many Diddy parties have you actually been to? You’re a f—ing scumbag, and I hope you get locked up in the same cell with Diddy.”
The fiery comments instantly went viral, drawing reactions from both Covington’s fans and critics. While Covington has long been known for his trash-talking skills, the remarks seemed to add extra pressure heading into his fight against Buckley.
A Star-Studded Entrance with Hulk Hogan
On fight night, Covington doubled down on the theatrics by bringing out none other than WWE legend Hulk Hogan to accompany him during his walkout. Wearing his signature red and yellow attire, Hogan hyped up the crowd as Covington strutted to the octagon, basking in the limelight.
The pairing was an homage to Hogan’s larger-than-life persona and Covington’s desire to cement his status as a polarizing figure in the MMA world. The dramatic entrance raised expectations for the fight, but the spectacle quickly gave way to a different narrative once the cage door closed.
A Tough Loss to Joaquin Buckley
Despite his confidence and theatrical entrance, Covington found himself overwhelmed by Buckley’s relentless attack. The fight was competitive early on, but Buckley’s precision striking took its toll as the bout progressed. Covington suffered a significant cut over his right eye, forcing the ringside doctor to call the fight in Buckley’s favor.
The loss marked a tough setback for Covington, whose UFC career has been defined as much by his controversial antics outside the cage as his performances inside it. For Buckley, the victory was a statement win, adding another chapter to his rise in the UFC’s welterweight division.
Social Media Reacts
As news of Covington’s loss spread, fans and critics alike took to social media to mock the outspoken fighter. Many referenced his pre-fight comments about LeBron James, suggesting that Covington’s trash talk had backfired.
“LeBron is probably laughing at this somewhere,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another quipped, “Colby spends more time talking about LeBron than preparing for his fights. This is what happens.”
Others couldn’t resist poking fun at Covington’s dramatic walkout with Hulk Hogan. “Not even Hulkamania could save Colby from getting wrecked,” one user joked. Another added, “Covington might wanna stay in the WWE if this keeps up.”
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What’s Next for Covington?
The loss raises questions about Covington’s future in the UFC. Once considered one of the top welterweights in the world, his recent performances have been inconsistent, and his brash personality continues to polarize fans and fighters alike.
While his trash talk and showmanship keep him in the spotlight, Covington’s path forward will likely depend on his ability to bounce back from this defeat. For now, the former interim champion will have to regroup, recover from his injuries, and determine what’s next for his MMA career.
As for his feud with LeBron James, it’s safe to say the NBA star won’t be losing sleep over Covington’s latest setback. Instead, the fighter’s antics and Saturday’s loss will likely fuel more debates about his place in the sport—and his penchant for making headlines for reasons beyond the cage.
