What Happened
UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley took place on June 14, 2025, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The main event featured a welterweight bout between former champion Kamaru Usman and rising contender Joaquin Buckley. This fight was significant for Usman, who was attempting to break a three-fight losing streak that had seen him fall from the top of the welterweight rankings. Buckley, on the other hand, was on a six-fight winning streak, having recently made a successful return to the welterweight division after a stint at middleweight.
In the co-main event, former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas faced Miranda Maverick. Namajunas, ranked No. 7 in the flyweight division, sought to continue her ascent in a new weight class against the No. 11 ranked Maverick. The fight card also featured several other notable matchups, including Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski and Raoni Barcelos vs. Cody Garbrandt.
Key Details
The main card results were as follows:
- Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley: The fight ended with Buckley winning by unanimous decision, marking a significant victory in his career.
- Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick: Namajunas won via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), showcasing her skills and experience.
- Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski: Shahbazyan secured a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
- Raoni Barcelos vs. Cody Garbrandt: Barcelos also won by unanimous decision (29-28 across the board).
- Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Cody Brundage: This bout ended in a technical decision for Abdul-Malik after an accidental head clash (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
- Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy: Menifield won by unanimous decision (29-28).
The preliminary card featured several notable finishes, including Malcolm Wellmaker’s knockout victory over Kris Moutinho and Jose Ochoa’s quick knockout of Cody Durden.
Multiple Perspectives
The outcome of the main event has sparked various interpretations among analysts and fans. Some view Buckley’s victory as a testament to his rapid rise in the welterweight division, highlighting his ability to capitalize on Usman’s recent struggles. Buckley has been noted for his aggressive fighting style and finishing ability, which has garnered him a growing fan base.
Conversely, Usman’s defeat raises questions about his future in the sport. Once considered one of the pound-for-pound best fighters, his recent losses have led to speculation about whether he can reclaim his status as a top contender. Analysts suggest that another loss could jeopardize his position in the UFC, potentially leading to a reassessment of his career trajectory.
Namajunas’s performance in the co-main event has been praised, with some commentators noting her adaptability and skill in transitioning to the flyweight division. Her victory over Maverick may position her for future title contention, depending on how the flyweight landscape evolves.
Context & Background
Kamaru Usman was once the dominant welterweight champion, known for his wrestling and striking prowess. His reign ended dramatically in 2022 when he lost to Leon Edwards in a fifth-round knockout. Following this, Usman faced Edwards again in a trilogy bout and then made a short-notice debut at middleweight against Khamzat Chimaev, resulting in another loss. This fight against Buckley was crucial for Usman to regain momentum and re-establish himself as a title contender.
Joaquin Buckley, meanwhile, has emerged as a formidable contender in the welterweight division. His six-fight winning streak includes notable victories over established fighters, which has positioned him as a rising star. The fight against Usman was seen as a litmus test for Buckley, determining whether he could compete at the highest level.
Namajunas’s transition to the flyweight division follows a successful career at strawweight, where she held the title twice. Her fight against Maverick was significant not only for her personal career but also for the flyweight division, which is currently competitive with several rising talents.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the results of UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley provide a clear picture of the outcomes, several uncertainties remain. For Usman, questions linger about his next steps and whether he will continue to compete at a high level or consider retirement. His future in the sport may depend on his ability to regroup and adapt after consecutive losses.
For Buckley, the implications of his victory are still unfolding. Analysts are keen to see how he will be matched up next and whether he can maintain his winning streak against higher-ranked opponents. Additionally, the impact of Namajunas’s win on the flyweight division is yet to be fully realized, as potential title shots and matchups will depend on the outcomes of future fights in that weight class.
Overall, UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley provided significant developments in the welterweight and flyweight divisions, setting the stage for future matchups and potential title implications.
