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Black Belt Team

Reliving the Explosive Night UFC Took Over Florida in 2019, before UFC Tampa 2024

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joanna jedrzejczyk
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As the UFC gears up for UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on December 14, 2024, fans are brimming with anticipation.

This marks the UFC’s fourth visit to Tampa and the first since October 2019, making it a nostalgic return for the promotion. Before Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley step into the Octagon, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the last time the UFC electrified Tampa.



Joanna Jedrzejczyk: A Masterclass Against Michelle Waterson-Gomez

The main event of UFC Tampa 2019 saw former strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk dominate Michelle Waterson-Gomez in a five-round clinic. Jedrzejczyk’s superior size, strength, and striking precision overwhelmed Waterson-Gomez, leading to a unanimous decision victory with scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46.


While Waterson-Gomez had her moments, Jedrzejczyk’s clinch game and relentless elbows and knees proved too much. The fight peaked in the third round when Waterson-Gomez nearly secured a rear-naked choke, showcasing her tenacity. However, Jedrzejczyk finished strong with her elite kicking game, earning her 11th career decision win.


Amanda Ribas and Mackenzie Dern’s First Showdown

The 2019 event also featured the first meeting between Amanda Ribas and Mackenzie Dern, two rising stars who have since climbed the ranks in the strawweight division. Ribas, now ranked No. 8, outclassed Dern, currently No. 6, with superior striking and grappling.


Ribas turned Dern’s takedown attempt into a spectacular throw, dominating from the top position and dictating the pace throughout the bout. The unanimous decision win showcased Ribas’ elite grappling and precision, setting the stage for their highly anticipated rematch, now scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the UFC APEX.



Deiveson Figueiredo’s Breakout Performance

Long before becoming a UFC Flyweight Champion, Deiveson Figueiredo made waves in Tampa with a stunning first-round submission of Tim Elliott. Figueiredo’s lightning-fast guillotine choke forced Elliott to tap within minutes, solidifying his contender status.


The victory propelled Figueiredo into title contention, where he would later capture the flyweight belt and engage in a record six consecutive championship bouts, cementing his legacy in the division.


Catch all the action live from Amalie Arena this Saturday, December 14, 2024. Prelims begin at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT, with the main card airing on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. Don’t miss this thrilling chapter in UFC history!



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