RAF 12 results: Tyron Woodley storms back from 8 points down to beat Joaquin Buckley

Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Joaquin Buckley at RAF 12 on Saturday, overturning an early 8-point deficit to win 14-8 in a wrestling-heavy matchup. Buckley, who came in seven pounds over the bantamweight limit, used his size advantage and surprising takedown prowess to stun the two-time All-American from the University of Missouri in the opening round. However, Woodley regrouped in the second period, systematically working pushouts and landing his own takedowns—including a gut wrench and turn—to chip away at Buckley's lead. As the third round wound down, Woodley secured another four-point takedown to seal a dominant final period and close the match with momentum firmly in his favour. The ex-champion, who has acknowledged past struggles in comeback situations throughout his MMA career, maintained his composure when facing adversity. "When I got down, I didn't lose my composure," Woodley said post-fight. The victory carries particular significance as Woodley is already set to face fellow former UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev in a RAF main event showdown in Russia on September 5, and he now enters that clash riding high from Saturday's impressive rally.