What Happened
At UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley, held on June 14, 2025, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Kamaru Usman returned to the octagon to face Joaquin Buckley in the main event. This marked Usman’s first fight in the welterweight division after a lengthy absence of over 800 days, during which he faced setbacks, including two consecutive title losses to Leon Edwards and a bout against Khamzat Chimaev. Usman secured a unanimous decision victory over Buckley, with judges scoring the fight 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in his favor. The fight showcased Usman’s wrestling skills, as he successfully took Buckley down multiple times, controlling the pace and positioning throughout the match.
In the co-main event, Rose Namajunas defeated Miranda Maverick by unanimous decision, further solidifying her position in the women’s flyweight division. Other notable fights on the main card included Edmen Shahbazyan’s unanimous decision win over Andre Petroski and Raoni Barcelos’ victory against Cody Garbrandt, also by unanimous decision. The event featured a mix of established veterans and rising contenders, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the UFC’s competitive landscape.
Key Details
- Main Event Result: Kamaru Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).
- Co-Main Event Result: Rose Namajunas defeated Miranda Maverick by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
- Other Main Card Results:
- Edmen Shahbazyan defeated Andre Petroski by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
- Raoni Barcelos defeated Cody Garbrandt by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
- Mansur Abdul-Malik defeated Cody Brundage by technical decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
- Alonzo Menifield defeated Oumar Sy by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
- Event Date: June 14, 2025.
- Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia.
Usman’s victory was particularly significant as it marked his return to winning form after a challenging period, while Buckley, who had recently transitioned to welterweight and was on a six-fight win streak, faced a setback that may impact his title aspirations.
Multiple Perspectives
The outcome of the main event has generated varied reactions within the MMA community. Supporters of Usman argue that his performance demonstrated his enduring skill and resilience, suggesting he remains a top contender in the welterweight division. According to Mike Heck of MMA Fighting, Usman’s victory re-establishes him as a significant player in the title picture, despite his previous losses.
Conversely, some analysts express concern regarding Buckley’s inability to capitalize on his recent momentum. Buckley, who was ranked No. 7 in the welterweight division prior to the fight, had been viewed as a rising star capable of challenging for the title. His defeat raises questions about his readiness for elite competition and the next steps for his career.
Context & Background
Kamaru Usman, a former welterweight champion, has been a dominant figure in the division since his title win in 2019. His previous reign included notable victories over top contenders, including Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. However, his recent losses had led to speculation about his future in the sport, making this fight a critical juncture in his career.
Joaquin Buckley, on the other hand, has gained recognition for his striking ability and knockout power, particularly following his transition to welterweight. His recent victories over established fighters like Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson had positioned him as a potential title challenger. The fight against Usman was seen as a pivotal moment to solidify his status in the division.
The welterweight division remains one of the most competitive in the UFC, with fighters like Leon Edwards, the current champion, and other top contenders such as Khamzat Chimaev and Belal Muhammad also vying for title opportunities. Usman’s victory adds another layer of intrigue to the division’s dynamics as he seeks to reclaim championship status.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While Usman’s victory has reinvigorated his title aspirations, it remains unclear what the immediate future holds for both him and Buckley. Questions linger regarding Usman’s next opponent and whether he will receive a title shot soon. Additionally, Buckley’s next steps are uncertain; he must reassess his strategy and training to bounce back from this defeat.
Moreover, the implications of this fight on the overall welterweight rankings and title picture are still unfolding. The UFC’s matchmaking decisions in the coming months will significantly impact the trajectories of both fighters, as well as the broader competitive landscape of the welterweight division. As the UFC continues to evolve, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how these developments play out.
