Kamaru Usman, a name synonymous with UFC welterweight dominance, is making his much-anticipated return after a lengthy absence of 602 days. The former champion, now 38 years old, last competed in the octagon nearly two years ago. His last victory was over 1,316 days ago, and since then, he has been on the sidelines, engaging more in podcasting than fighting. As Usman steps back into the spotlight, he will face off against the rising star Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta.
Joaquin Buckley, who has quickly climbed the ranks of the welterweight division, boasts an impressive winning streak of six consecutive fights. During this time, he has taken down notable competitors such as Colby Covington, Stephen Thompson, and Vicente Luque. Buckley currently holds the No. 7 position in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. As Usman returns to the octagon, the potential for a changing of the guard looms, with the relentless passage of time possibly impacting Usman's performance against such a formidable opponent.
In the buildup to the fight, many are left wondering if Usman still possesses the skills that once made him one of the top three welterweights in history. The challenge lies in whether Usman's experience and past achievements can hold up against Buckley's youthful vigor and relentless pace. While Usman has shown flashes of his former self in recent fights against Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards, the question remains: are these remnants of prime Usman enough to secure a win over a contender in his prime?
The co-main event features two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas, who is determined to keep her title aspirations alive in the 125-pound division. Namajunas, facing the gritty Miranda Maverick, must prove that she can still compete at the highest levels after recent setbacks. Maverick, once a blue-chip prospect, is now a seasoned veteran and is knocking on the door of the flyweight top 10.
Namajunas, while not yet nearing 40, has been competing at a high level since her debut in 2013. Her recent losses against Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot have raised questions about her current form. Maverick's strategy may center around her strength advantage and wrestling skills, but Namajunas is known for her tenacity in defending against grappling. The bout is expected to primarily unfold on the feet, where Namajunas' striking skills may give her the edge.
The main card also features several intriguing matchups. Edmen Shahbazyan, a striking specialist, will look to secure a knockout against Andre Petroski, while former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt faces Raoni Barcelos in a must-win scenario.
Edmen Shahbazyan's fight against Andre Petroski poses a significant challenge. Petroski is known for his relentless grappling style, which has troubled Shahbazyan in the past. However, Shahbazyan's striking power could land him a knockout victory, making this matchup a fascinating clash of styles.
Cody Garbrandt, once a champion, is now in a position where he must prove he can compete against formidable opponents like Raoni Barcelos. While Garbrandt possesses exceptional hand speed and knockout power, his overall game is in question. Barcelos, who may capitalize on Garbrandt's weaknesses, is favored to win this bout.
The preliminary card features several matchups, including Mansur Abdul-Malik facing Cody Brundage and Alonzo Menifield squaring off against Oumar Sy. Both fights present unique challenges for the fighters involved, with Abdul-Malik looking to maintain his undefeated record and Menifield aiming to reclaim his former glory.
UFC Atlanta promises to be an exciting event with a blend of established champions and rising stars. As Kamaru Usman seeks to reestablish himself in the welterweight division, all eyes will be on both his performance and the potential impact of the new generation of fighters like Joaquin Buckley and Miranda Maverick. Fans can tune in to watch this thrilling fight card on June 14 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, starting with the preliminary bouts at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+.
