Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Preview, Predictions, and MMA Betting Odds for UFC Atlanta

Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports

The main event at State Farm Arena on June 14, 2025, sets the stage for a high-stake welterweight showdown between Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman and Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley. Usman, a former champion with a storied legacy and one of the greatest fighters in UFC’s history, aims to reclaim his dominance with his powerful striking and wrestling. Meanwhile, Buckley, a surging knockout artist, looks to cement his rise with a career-defining win. This UFC Fight Night’s main event will surely deliver some of the greatest performances we are going to witness.

Usman seeks to snap a recent skid, leaning on his championship mentality and pedigree to outlast his younger opponent. Buckley, riding a hot streak, aims to overwhelm the former champ, while also being in awe of Usman as we witnessed in their latest face off. Both the fighters are extremely tough, and have some of the most devastating hands in the history of the UFC. So this begs the question, who will win the fight?

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Preview

The octagon ignites for a welterweight main event as Kamaru Usman clashes with Joaquin Buckley in a fighting that holds lot of stakes. Usman (20-4-0), the former champ, hunts redemption after three consecutive losses to Leon Edwards (twice) and Khamzat Chimaev. He is one of the more balanced fighters we’ve seen in the UFC as his 3.52 takedowns per 15 minutes, along with 4.76 significant strikes per minute at 54% define his relentless style. As stated by him earlier, the “Nigerian Nightmare” aims to reclaim the throne against a very dangerous upstart.

Buckley (21-6) is riding a 6-fight win streak including a TKO stoppage beating down Colby Covington’s face until Doctor was forced to stop the fight. With 4.93 significant strikes per minute and 15 TKO/KO wins, Buckley flairs power and flair, though his 50% takedown defense could be tested by the former champ. This fight will be a battle where Buckley’s momentum meets Usman’s experience in a career-defining clash.

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley MMA Betting Odds

According to BetMGM, Joaquin Buckley is the -275 favorite to win the fight against the +220 underdog Kamaru Usman. This means that betting $275 on Buckley will get you $100, if Buckley wins. Whereas, betting $100 will get you a return of $220, if Usman manages to pull of an upset against Buckley.

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Predictions and Picks

Joaquin Buckley is the favorite to win the fight and defeat Usman in the main event. Buckley’s explosive striking and six-fight win streak, including 4 finishes in his last 6 just shows how ready he is. While Usman is outstanding in his own right, the fact remains that Usman has fought inside the octagon for over a year and he is also significantly older than his competitor. Usman’s experience and wrestling remains dangerous, but his recent losses suggests that there are vulnerabilities. In the end we predict that Buckley’s power will overwhelm Usman in a stand-up battle, potentially securing a highlight reel.

Official Pick: Buckley via KO

Joaquin Buckley

Kamaru Usman

UFC

UFC Atlanta

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

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