UFC Atlanta: Usman vs. Buckley – Expert Picks & Predictions
- Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman (20-4) returns to the octagon after an 18-month absence to face Joaquin Buckley (21-6) in the main event of UFC Fight Night in...
- In the co-main event, another former champion, Rose Namajunas (14-7), will face Miranda Maverick (17-5), who is on a four-fight win streak of her own.
- The Professional Fighters League (PFL) World Tournament continues this week with welterweight and featherweight semifinal matchups. Thad Jean (9-0) will face former Bellator champion Jason Jackson (19-5) in...
Get the inside scoop on the UFC Atlanta showdown as Kamaru Usman clashes with Joaquin Buckley.Our expert analysis unveils predictions for the main event and the co-main fight featuring Rose namajunas and Miranda Maverick. We dissect the fighters’ strengths and weaknesses, plus detailed betting analysis for the PFL welterweight and featherweight semifinals.Uncover key insights from Din Thomas and Anthony Smith, who offer their expertise. News Directory 3 delivers all the details, including betting odds favoring Jesus Pinedo and Logan Storley. Discover what’s next for these MMA titans.
Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Headlines UFC Fight Night in Atlanta
Updated June 14, 2025
Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman (20-4) returns to the octagon after an 18-month absence to face Joaquin Buckley (21-6) in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Atlanta. Buckley is currently riding a six-fight winning streak, with four of those wins coming by way of early finishes. The welterweight bout headlines the event, which will be broadcast on ESPN/ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET Saturday, with prelims starting at 7 p.m. ET.
In the co-main event, another former champion, Rose Namajunas (14-7), will face Miranda Maverick (17-5), who is on a four-fight win streak of her own.
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) World Tournament continues this week with welterweight and featherweight semifinal matchups. Thad Jean (9-0) will face former Bellator champion Jason Jackson (19-5) in the welterweight main event. In the featherweight division,2023 PFL champion Jesus Pinedo (24-6-1) will meet Gabriel Braga (16-2) for the third time. The PFL event will be broadcast on ESPN/ESPN+ Thursday at 10 p.m. ET,with prelims at 7 p.m. ET.
Expert Predictions for Usman vs. Buckley
Din Thomas and Anthony Smith offered their UFC main event predictions. Ian Parker provided betting analysis for the UFC Fight Night and PFL semifinals.
Smith believes Usman’s experience will be the deciding factor. “Usman will have a tough time early with Buckley’s speed and athleticism, but once they settle into the fight, I think the veteran savviness of Kamaru will take over,” Smith said. “There’s a reason he likes this matchup. There’s something he sees that the rest of us don’t see.”
Thomas, though, is backing Buckley to win by decision, citing Buckley’s movement.
PFL Semifinal Betting Insights
Ian Parker offers betting insights on the PFL semifinals, highlighting three key fights:
- Jesus Pinedo to win (-275): Parker favors Pinedo’s “controlled chaos and KO power” over Gabriel Braga’s technical striking.
- Logan Storley to win inside the distance: Storley is heavily favored (-1000) to defeat Masayuki Kikuiri and make a statement heading into the finals.
- Movlid Khaybulaev to win (-225): Despite Khaybulaev’s recent layoff, Parker expects him to control his fight against Tae Kyun Kim with dominant wrestling.