“Doesn’t get stopped in Vegas…” UFC boss Dana White critiques Florida State Commission over bad stoppage

Dana White disagrees with the UFC Tampa stoppage and draws a comparison with the promotion's home in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Doesn’t get stopped in Vegas…” UFC boss Dana White critiques Florida State Commission over bad stoppage

Dana White disagrees with stoppage in UFC Tampa (Image via Imago/Open Source)

The raging Joaquin Buckley has found his way to the top of the welterweight rankings following a victory over Colby Covington at UFC Tampa. The welterweight main event was scheduled for 5 rounds but was pulled to a stop in round 3. Covington suffered a bad cut on the eye, which led to a doctor stoppage. Echoing the sentiments of MMA fans, the UFC boss Dana White gave his thoughts on the stoppage.

White feels the main event clash was prematurely ended by the doctors. This was evident in the grueling Alex Pereira clash against Khalil Rountree that showcased far more severe damage. The UFC chief even drew a comparison with the promotion’s home state in Nevada and critiqued the Florida State Commission. White believed the outcome of the fight could have gone either way if it had been allowed to go on.

Curious to see how it would go if it was allowed to go all 5 rounds. You know if it went later in the rounds? No doubt that was a bad cut, but that fight doesn’t get stopped in Vegas. That fight keeps going in Vegas 100%.

Dana White via UFC Tampa post fight press conference
YouTube video

From the get-go, Buckley assumed control of the entire fight, both on the feet and on the ground. The number 9 welterweight prospect cut open Covington’s eye with a solid uppercut in the very first round. He went on to add more damage to the injury with vicious ground and pound, clean combinations, and more. Moreover, the 30-year-old fighter showcased great improvement in the grappling department. 

FS Video

Not only did Buckley manage to stuff the majority of the takedown, but he also landed one of his own. A loss at UFC Tampa could bring Covington’s stocks to an all-time low and might see him explore retirement as an option. Reacting to the strange stoppage, Buckley agreed with the UFC boss.

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Joaquin Buckley agrees with Dana White on bizarre doctor stoppage at UFC Tampa

Dana White wasn’t the only voice who disagreed with the stoppage in the main event. UFC Tampa’s main-event star, Joaquin Buckley, voiced his thoughts on the fight as well. ‘New Mansa’ believes the fight should have gone on despite the cut. Buckley backed White’s sentiment during the post-fight presser.

Joaquin Buckley throws support behind UFC boss Dana White in strange stoppage in Tampa
Joaquin Buckley supports Dana White’s statement (Image via Open Source)

Buckley has now extended his win streak to 6, bringing him yet another step closer to the world title. The American fighter has found a new home in 170 lbs, turning him into a title contender. The 30-year-old has showcased interest in fighting top-of-the-heap names, following UFC Tampa’s conclusion, including champion Belal Muhammad.

My fight, you know? It shouldn’t have been stopped. You know, it is what it is. You gotta protect the fighters.

Joaquin Buckley via UFC Tampa post fight press conference

Leading up to UFC Tampa’s main event, Buckley showcased great interest in replacing Shavkat Rakhmonov or Muhammad for the title. The American mixed martial artist also sided with Muhammad to cause an upset in his next title defense against ‘Nomad.’ Buckley’s win could catapult him in the rankings this coming Tuesday, and a clash with Ian Garry could occur next.