Usman Eyes Makhachev After Potential Buckley Win | UFC Atlanta
- Atlanta is set to host UFC Fight Night as former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman makes his return against rising contender Joaquin Buckley.
- Joaquin Buckley, a knockout artist, has surged in the welterweight division after moving down from middleweight in 2023.
- Usman, who turned 38 in May, seeks to rebound from recent losses.
kamaru Usman returns to the Octagon to face Joaquin Buckley at UFC atlanta—and a win could set the stage for a clash with Islam Makhachev. In this welterweight showdown, witness Usman’s comeback after six years, as he confronts Buckley’s six-fight winning streak.UFC Atlanta marks the promotion’s return, promising high-stakes action. Buckley,a knockout artist,has dominated since dropping from middleweight. Usman, 38, is eager to rebound, using his hiatus to recover. News Directory 3 has the details on Usman’s perspective and the division’s evolving landscape. With rising stars like Jack Della Maddalena also in the mix, this event marks a shift. Discover what’s next for these top fighters as title implications loom!
Usman Faces Buckley in Welterweight Showdown at UFC Atlanta
updated June 11, 2025
Atlanta is set to host UFC Fight Night as former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman makes his return against rising contender Joaquin Buckley. This marks the UFC’s first event in Atlanta in over six years.
Joaquin Buckley, a knockout artist, has surged in the welterweight division after moving down from middleweight in 2023. The 31-year-old fighter from St. Louis is currently riding a six-fight winning streak,showcasing his power and improved grappling skills.
Usman, who turned 38 in May, seeks to rebound from recent losses. He has been using his time away from the cage to recover from injuries and co-hosts the “Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru & Henry” podcast with Henry Cejudo.
Buckley’s recent victories include a knockout win over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and a dominant performance against Colby Covington, where he displayed improved striking and grappling defense.
Usman has not won a fight since Leon Edwards snapped his 19-fight winning streak nearly three years ago. He subsequently lost the rematch and a short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev.
“When you fight so frequently like I did for 10 years, it starts to affect the body quite a bit and so that time gives you some time to really work on some of those lingering things that have been lingering for a while, or correct some major things that you need to correct,” Usman told Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter.
Usman acknowledged the welterweight division’s growth, highlighting talents like Jack Della Maddalena, Sean Brady, and others. he also welcomed Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight,seeing it as a boost for the competitive division.
“I love Islam moving into the division,” Usman said. “it gives it some more life. It’s historically been one of the most competitive divisions for a long, long time and for a reason. … Buckley’s done a great job with what he’s been presented and has put himself in a position to earn a fight like this (weekend’s main event), which I’m appreciative of. it’s going to be a great one.”
The Usman vs. Buckley fight headlines a UFC atlanta card that includes Rose Namajunas, Cody Garbrandt, and other rising stars. The event marks a shift away from frequent Fight night cards at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
What’s next
The UFC has yet to confirm Makhachev’s potential challenge against Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. Simultaneously occurring, Usman aims to prove he can still compete at the highest level of the welterweight division.