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

Date & Location

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

Event Preview

A classic showdown of veteran vs. contender: former Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman (20‑4) returned after a 20-month hiatus and three consecutive losses to Leon Edwards (twice) and Khamzat Chimaev; Joaquin Buckley (21‑6), riding a six-fight win streak and fresh off a TKO win over Colby Covington, was primed to cement his climb to elite status.
Experts note Buckley’s improved takedown defense neutralizes Usman’s wrestling edge, setting up a likely striking battle that favors Buckley

Matchcard

Preliminary Card (ESPN+, 7 PM ET)

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)
Ange Loosa vs. Phil Rowe (Welterweight)
Jamey-Lyn Horth vs. Vanessa Demopoulos (Women’s Flyweight)

Main Card (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 PM ET)

Welterweight – Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley
Women’s Flyweight – Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick
Middleweight – Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski
Bantamweight – Cody Garbrandt vs. Raoni Barcelos
Middleweight – Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Cody Brundage
Light Heavyweight – Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy

Conclusion

Buckley validated his momentum, dictating striking exchanges and frustrating Usman’s attempts to grapple. The younger contender showcased improved takedown defense and power, earning a convincing victory and marking a possible shift in the welterweight hierarchy.
In the co-main, Miranda Maverick outmaneuvered Rose Namajunas, securing a notable upset and climbing inside the flyweight Top 10. Overall, UFC Atlanta spotlighted Buckley’s ascension and signaled Usman may need a strategic reset.

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