The UFC has confirmed that rising welterweight stars Ian Machado Garry and Joaquin Buckley will headline the promotion’s final event of 2024. UFC Tampa, scheduled for December 14 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, promises to be an electrifying night of action capped off by this five-round main event.
Ian Machado Garry, the undefeated Irish phenom, enters this bout with an impressive 15-0 record (8-0 in the UFC). Currently ranked No. 7 in the official UFC welterweight rankings, Garry has been on a tear since joining the promotion. His 2024 campaign has been particularly noteworthy, with victories over established veterans Geoff Neal at UFC 298 and Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303.
At just 26 years old, “The Future” has lived up to his moniker, showcasing a well-rounded skill set and the poise of a seasoned veteran. This main event slot represents a significant step up for Garry and an opportunity to solidify his position as a legitimate title contender.
Joaquin Buckley, ranked No. 9 in the division, has experienced a career renaissance since dropping down to welterweight in May 2023. The 30-year-old “New Mansa” is riding an impressive five-fight winning streak, with three of those victories coming by way of knockout.