UFC Fight Night: Usman vs Buckley 6/14/2025

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Date & Location

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Event Preview

Former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman (20‑4) made his long-awaited return after nearly two years away. His last bout was a majority-decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023, which followed two defeats to Leon Edwards. Rising contender Joaquin Buckley (21‑6) entered on a six‑fight win streak, including a notable TKO of Colby Covington in December 2024. Betting odds heavily favored Buckley (around –245 to –265), with Usman as the underdog (+200 to +215)

Analysts emphasize this as a classic veteran vs. up‑and‑comer matchup, with Buckley’s takedown defense and striking power testing Usman’s experience and championship pedigree.

Fight Card

Main Card (EST times, ESPN/ESPN+ – 10:00 PM start)

Welterweight: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley (main event)
Women’s Flyweight: Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick (co-main)
Middleweight: Mansur Abdul‑Malik vs. Cody Brundage
Light Heavyweight: Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy
Bantamweight: Cody Garbrandt vs. Raoni Barcelos
Welterweight: Michael Chiesa vs. Court McGee

Preliminary Card (ESPN+ – 7:00 PM start)

Light Heavyweight: Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato
Women’s Flyweight: Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Jamey‑Lyn Horth
Bantamweight: Ricky Simón vs. Cameron Smotherman
Additional prelim matchups not fully listed

Note: Some fights were adjusted due to injuries and lineup shuffles.

Conclusion

The event delivered on its promise: Usman showcased championship-level skill and tactical depth, but Buckley’s athleticism and striking sharpness made it a high-paced, competitive showdown. Buckley’s recent evolution in takedown defense neutralized Usman’s wrestling, while his relentless pressure kept the former champ on his back foot. Strawweight-to-flyweight legend Rose Namajunas earned a decisive victory over Miranda Maverick, further shaking up the flyweight hierarchy.

Overall, UFC Atlanta marked a pivotal moment: Usman proved he still belongs in top-tier contention, but Buckley validated his status as a serious threat in the division.