UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley

The UFC returns to Atlanta this weekend with an action-packed card featuring former champions, top contenders, and rising prospects. One of the greatest UFC welterweights ever makes his comeback after a nearly two-year layoff, facing rising star Joaquin Buckley. Buckley has strung together an impressive series of wins and a stunning highlight reel. In the co-main event, former champion Rose Namajunas takes on Miranda Maverick in a flyweight clash. With numerous exciting bouts, fans are in for a treat with this main card.

Main Event: Kamaru Usman (20-4-0) vs. Joaquin Buckley (21-6-0)  

Former UFC champion and current #5 ranked welterweight Kamaru Usman returns to the Octagon this weekend against Joaquin "New Mansa" Buckley. Usman is one of the UFC’s all-time greats, with a dominant title run like no other. After a few unfortunate losses, Usman aims to return to the win column. Meanwhile, Buckley is on a tear at welterweight, riding a six-fight win streak with victories over Colby Covington and Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson. Many fans doubt Usman’s current ability, but at his best, his fundamentally sound boxing complements his elite-level wrestling. Buckley, a flashy striker with highlight-reel knockouts, will need to earn Usman’s respect early. Usman’s path to victory lies in his usual game plan: wrestling against the fence and tire Buckley out who’s not as experienced in 5 rounders as Usman is. Can Usman prove the doubters wrong, or will Buckley add Usman to his growing résumé?

Co-Main Event: Rose Namajunas (14-7-0) vs. Miranda Maverick (17-5-0)

#7 ranked flyweight and former champion Rose Namajunas looks to rebound against #11 ranked Miranda Maverick. Maverick is on a four-fight win streak, and this marks her biggest step up in competition. Coming off a loss, Namajunas presents a formidable challenge. Is Maverick ready for the top 10?

Main Card: Edmen Shahbazyan (14-5-0) vs. Andre Petroski (13-4-0)

Season 13 Contender Series contract winner Edmen Shahbazyan, known for his vicious striking, faces Andre Petroski, an extremely dangerous grappler. Shahbazyan will need to keep the fight standing to avoid Petroski’s ground game.

Main Card: Cody Garbrandt (14-6-0) vs. Raoni Barcelos (19-5-0)

Bantamweight legend Cody Garbrandt returns against Raoni Barcelos, who is coming off a win over Payton Talbott, a prospect who was seen as unstoppable. This matchup pits the old guard against the new, promising an exciting clash in the bantamweight division. 

Main Card: Mansur Abdul-Malik (8-0-0) vs. Cody Brundage (11-6-0, 1 NC)  

Undefeated Mansur Abdul-Malik has finished every opponent inside the UFC so far and faces his toughest test in Cody Brundage. Brundage has finished all his UFC wins decisively. This bout has "Fight of the Night" potential written all over it.

Main Card: Alonzo Menifield (16-5-1) vs. Oumar Sy (11-0-0)  

Light heavyweight Alonzo Menifield, a veteran who has faced tough battles in the division, takes on undefeated Oumar Sy, who has secured two wins inside the UFC. Expect an explosive matchup.