Kamaru Usman returns from an extended stint outside the octagon to take on Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta.
The former UFC Welterweight champion is fighting for the first time since 2023, after Kamaru Usman lost to Leon Edwards (twice) and Khamzat Chimaev.
Despite Usman not feeling 100% healthy going into the fight, he is hoping to end his losing streak by beating Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta.
If he wins the fight on June 14, Usman is targeting a fight with Belal Muhammad, as he looks to move towards another UFC Welterweight title fight before his career ends.
What will happen at UFC Atlanta? Let’s see what the Bloody Elbow experts predict will happen between Usman and Buckley in their main event clash.
Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley fight predicted by Bloody Elbow staff
Jamie Theodosi: I think Joaquin Buckley is part of the new guard at 170 lbs, and I think Kamaru Usman could be coming towards the end of his career in the sport.
With ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ having been inactive for so long, I can’t see him returning in good enough health to pose a threat to Buckley.
- PREDICTION – Joaquin Buckley wins via decision
Jordan Ellis: Kamaru Usman has looked way past his prime as of late. Adding a long layoff on top of that isn’t going to do him any favors.
I see things getting tough for him down the stretch against Joaquin Buckley, who will get his biggest win yet by KO/TKO at UFC Atlanta.
- PREDICTION – Joaquin Buckley wins via KO
Donagh Corby: This is a hard one to call. On one hand, Kamaru Usman’s knee issues are well documented and were clear as day in his defeats to Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev.
But there’s a serious case to be made that he beat the Swede or at least got a draw last time out, and Joaquin Buckley is no Khamzat Chimaev.
If Usman has had the requisite time to recover over the last two years of inactivity and shows up in Atlanta on top form, he should be far too strong for Buckley
- PREDICTION – Kamaru Usman wins via unanimous decision