Ian Garry vs. Joaquin Buckley Headlines UFC Tampa

The UFC is set to close out their year with an electrifying welterweight clash between Ian Machado Garry and Joaquin Buckley headlining UFC Fight Night on December 14 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. This announcement follows the cancellation of a title fight between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov due to Muhammad's toe infection. Garry, ranked #7, remains undefeated with a 15-0 record, while Buckley, ranked #9, has won five consecutive fights since moving back to the welterweight division. Both fighters originally expressed interest in stepping in for the title fight against Rakhmonov but will now face each other in what will be Garry's third fight of 2024 and Buckley's 15th UFC appearance. This bout is pivotal for both contenders who are looking to further solidify their positions in the welterweight rankings and potentially move closer to a title shot.