Get to know all the fights on the main card and the preliminary card of the UFC Atlanta fight card this weekend!
Atlanta hasn’t seen a UFC event since April 2019 when UFC 236 delivered one of the most memorable nights in recent history. That card featured Max Holloway against Dustin Poirier and Israel Adesanya’s coming-out party against Kelvin Gastelum. Both fights were instant classics. The energy, the crowd, and the atmosphere in Atlanta created something special that night. Now, after nearly six years away, the promotion is ready to light up the State Farm Arena once again.
The UFC’s return to Atlanta on June 14 brings a fascinating mix of veteran fighters looking to prove they still belong and hungry contenders ready to make their mark. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman headlines the card against rising contender Joaquin Buckley. This matchup perfectly captures the essence of MMA: established legends facing the new generation that’s ready to take their spot.
Kamaru Usman steps into the octagon knowing that another loss could spell the end of his title aspirations. The former champion once seemed unstoppable. But MMA has a cruel way of humbling even the greatest fighters, and Usman’s recent struggles have been painful to watch. Joaquin Buckley brings the perfect blend of power and momentum to capitalize on any weakness. His knockout power is legitimate, and his recent performances show a fighter who’s hitting his prime at the perfect time.
Rose Namajunas adds another layer of intrigue to the main card with her flyweight clash against Miranda Maverick. ‘Thug Rose’ made the difficult decision to move up from strawweight after losing her title. Her technical striking and improved wrestling make her dangerous anywhere, but Maverick won’t make it easy. The card also features Edmen Shahbazyan looking to bounce back against Andre Petroski in what should be a fun middleweight scrap.
Cody Garbrandt’s bantamweight bout with Raoni Barcelos carries special significance too. The former champion needs to show he can still compete with elite fighters after years of inconsistent results. Rounding out the main card, Mansur Abdul-Malik faces Cody Brundage in a middleweight clash. Alonzo Menifield takes on Oumar Sy in light heavyweight action that promises fireworks.
| Fight | Weight Class |
| Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley | Welterweight |
| Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick | Women’s Flyweight |
| Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski | Middleweight |
| Cody Garbrandt vs. Raoni Barcelos | Bantamweight |
| Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Cody Brundage | Middleweight |
| Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy | Light Heavyweight |
Paul Craig brings his submission wizardry to a light heavyweight matchup against Rodolfo Bellato. His ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat has become legendary among hardcore fans. Michael Chiesa returns to action against Court McGee in a welterweight bout that pits experience against experience.
The bantamweight division gets plenty of representation on the prelims with Malcolm Wellmaker facing Kris Moutinho and Ricky Simon taking on Cameron Smotherman. Both fights feature hungry fighters looking to climb the rankings. The flyweight bout between Cody Durden and Jose Ochoa should provide plenty of action, while Philip Rowe and Ange Loosa square off in what could be a violent welterweight affair. The preliminary card wraps up with women’s flyweight action as Jamey-Lyn Horth battles Vanessa Demopoulos.
| Fight | Weight Class |
| Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato | Light Heavyweight |
| Michael Chiesa vs. Court McGee | Welterweight |
| Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Kris Moutinho | Bantamweight |
| Cody Durden vs. Jose Ochoa | Flyweight |
| Ricky Simon vs. Cameron Smotherman | Bantamweight |
| Phil Rowe vs. Ange Loosa | Welterweight |
| Jamey-Lyn Horth vs. Vanessa Demopoulos | Women’s Flyweight |
(Image Credit: UFC -X)
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