Upcoming UFC event in Tampa sparks excitement among USF’s boxing club
Sophomore David O’Grady developed his passion for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) because of his involvement in martial arts.
Now, he has the opportunity to attend an event in Tampa.
The UFC’s Dec. 14 event will take place around 10 miles from the USF Tampa campus at Amalie Arena.
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The UFC is the premier mixed martial arts league in the world, holding more than 40 events across various countries every year.
The event marks UFC’s first in Tampa since 2019. It will be headlined by a welterweight (170 lbs) bout between 6th-ranked Colby Covington and 9th-ranked Joaquin Buckley.
O’Grady, a member of USF’s boxing club, said he was fired up about attending the event.
“I’m very excited to see every fight,” O’Grady said. “The build up is gonna be crazy.”
Covington has gained a reputation for his disparaging remarks about his opponents throughout his UFC career. He infamously called the entire nation of Brazil ‘a dump’ after winning a fight in in the country against Brazilian fighter Demian Maia in 2017.
Despite the trash talk, Covington has a tough challenge across the octagon with Buckley.
Buckley has risen through the ranks of the UFC, mostly known for his highlight reel knockout of Impa Kasanganay.
O’Grady said it’s easier to appreciate moments like that with martial arts experience.
“To understand the technique and break it down, it’s such a privilege,” O’Grady said.
The boxing club incorporates the “transformative power” of boxing through a “comprehensive instruction” for all members, according to its mission statement.
O’Grady said he’s felt this transformation in his day-to-day life.
“[Martial arts] made me much more disciplined,” O’Grady said. “I feel more confident.”
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Despite the high profile of the main event, the card has entertaining fights scattered throughout.
Two of the top 10 women’s strawweight (125 lbs) fighters will face off in the co-main event, as 10th-ranked Amanda Ribas fights 6th-ranked Mackenzie Dern.
The pair crossed paths during UFC Fight Night 161 in Tampa back in 2019 when Ribas beat Dern via three round decision.
Yeran Gamage, president of USF boxing club, said martial arts events create engagement for the club.
“There’s increased excitement among members and recruits due to the hype,” Gamage said. “We saw an 80% surge in attendance after Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson.”
Gamage said he feels an event so close to campus could bring visibility to the boxing club.
“It boosts interest in combat sports,” Gamage said. “That benefits the club.”
The club has seen record attendance throughout the year, having to resort to members reserving their spots for practice ahead of time.
It boasts over 800 registered members on BullsConnect. With only 60 available openings per practice, spots can run thin.
For one of the fighters, an event in Tampa’s Amalie Arena hits close to home.
Billy Quarantillo, who trains out of Gracie Pac MMA in Tampa, is scheduled for a featherweight (145 lbs) bout against UFC veteran Cub Swanson.
Swanson also fought at UFC Fight Night 161 in Tampa, where he defeated Kron Gracie via three round decision.
O’Grady has patiently waited for the UFC to make the return to Tampa.
“It’s an amazing opportunity,” O’Grady said. “It’s like a dream come true.”
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the date for the UFC Fight Night. The event takes place on Dec. 14.
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