Kamaru Usman is set to take some time off to rest, heal, and aim to reclaim his status as the second-greatest welterweight in UFC history. After a significant break in his 12-year UFC career, Usman will face newcomer Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night this Saturday. Usman, with a record of 20-4, achieved an extraordinary UFC Welterweight Championship reign with five successful defenses, trailing only Georges St-Pierre. However, everything shifted after a stunning head kick knockout by Leon Edwards just 56 seconds after their fight ended, resulting in Usman losing his title. This defeat, followed by a loss to Khamzat Chimaev, marked Usman’s first losing streak, prompting him to step back and focus on recovery.
Usman revealed to CBS Sports that he entered the UFC with an injury and has been managing ongoing physical issues throughout his career, which heightened his tolerance for discomfort. Joaquin Buckley, holding a 21-6 record, is an ambitious fighter from the rising welterweight group, having bounced back in 2022 after consecutive defeats with an impressive streak of four finishing wins, including victories over title contenders Colby Covington and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. Buckley shared his mindset shift with CBS Sports, acknowledging that his job was on the line and that any further loss could end his career.
Known for his explosive striking, Buckley confidently claimed he is vying for a welterweight title shot similar to what Jack Della Madarena secured. He suggested that Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight was opportunistic and hinted that the UFC might have avoided matching Buckley for the title because his victory could have prevented Makhachev’s move. The UFC Fight Night event also features former champions Rose Namajunas and Cody Garbrandt facing Miranda Maverick and Raoni Barcelos, respectively, with Namajunas recently discussing her potential flyweight title ambitions with CBS Sports.
The full fight card, latest betting odds, and match predictions for the event on June 14 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta are available, with the main card beginning at 10 PM and broadcasted on ESPN and streamed live on fubo. The prediction for the Usman vs. Buckley bout suggests a hard-fought match, with Buckley potentially winning by TKO in the fourth round, reflecting Usman’s tough, durable wrestling style against Buckley’s explosive power.
Fan Take: This fight is crucial for the welterweight division as it signals a potential shift in the landscape, with a rising star like Buckley challenging a seasoned champion looking to regain his form. For fight fans, it offers a thrilling clash of experience versus explosive talent, possibly shaping the future hierarchy of one of UFC’s most competitive weight classes.
