Ian Machado Garry and Joaquin Buckley will headline UFC Tampa on December 14, 2024, after both fighters expressed interest in facing Shavkat Rakhmonov for the interim welterweight title, but were instead matched against each other by UFC.
Ian Machado Garry and Joaquin Buckley are set to clash in the final UFC fight of 2024. A thrilling end to the year!
The promotion revealed on Saturday that Garry and Buckley will headline UFC Tampa. Mark your calendars for Dec. 14 at Amalie Arena.
Both fighters showed interest in facing Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 for the interim welterweight title. Belal Muhammad had to withdraw due to a toe infection, but plans changed. Instead, these rising stars at 170 pounds will face off.
Garry, undefeated, is gearing up for his third bout in 2024. Earlier this year, “The Future” secured a split decision over Geoff Neal at UFC 298. He then handed Michael Page his first promotional loss at UFC 303 in June. Currently, he’s ranked No. 7 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings.
Buckley, sitting at No. 10, has been unstoppable since dropping to welterweight. He’s won all five of his bouts at 170 pounds. “New Mansa” aims for a perfect 4-0 streak in 2024 after impressive stoppages against Stephen Thompson and Vicente Luque and a unanimous decision over Nursulton Ruziboev. This will be his 15th appearance in the UFC octagon.