UFC analyst says that Colby Covington was likely persuaded to step in and face Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa rather than calling for it

Colby Covington will make a surprising short-notice return to the octagon after one year away when he steps into the UFC on ESPN 63 headliner with Joaquin Buckley, who is unbeaten since dropping to welterweight.

Explore the ongoing drama between Ian Garry and Colby Covington. Find out why Garry is publicly calling for Joaquin Buckley to get a KO

Machado Garry (15-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) spent months campaigning to fight Covington, accusing him for turning down a bout offer on multiple occasions. Machado Garry wound up getting booked against Joaquin Buckley in the UFC on ESPN 63 headliner on Dec. 14 from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla..

Former interim champion Colby Covington hasn't fought since a third undisputed title defeat to Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December, with his last win coming over the formerly-retired Jorge Masvidal more than 2 years ago.

Will we get a highlight reel ending at UFC Tampa? Henry Cejudo thinks there's a finish brewing for Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley.

Since dropping back down to 170 pounds, Buckley has won five straight, most recently knocking out former title challenger Stephen Thompson at UFC 307 in October. Meanwhile, Covington hasn’t competed since a unanimous decision loss to Edwards in their title fight at UFC 296 last December.