Kamaru Usman is rested, recovered, and ready to reclaim his spot as one of the top welterweights. Usman returns to competition after the longest break in his 12-year career, facing Joaquin Buckley, who represents a promising new generation in the welterweight division.

Fight Background

Usman (20-4) had a remarkable run as a UFC welterweight champion, successfully defending his title five times before a devastating loss to Leon Edwards, who knocked him out with a head kick. Facing additional setbacks against Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev, Usman took time off to heal from lingering injuries. “I came into the game with injuries,” said Usman about his experiences fighting through pain since his UFC debut in 2015.

“Most people don’t realize that when I fought for ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ in 2015, I was four months removed from microfracture surgery. I was always dealing with things. It feels good to go in here now and try to get back to the top.”

Buckley (21-6) is on a quest for glory in the welterweight ranks, recently shifting down weight and putting together six consecutive wins, four by stoppage against respected opponents like former title challengers Covington and Thompson.

“Knowing that my job was on the line, that was the switch,” Buckley remarked about his mental transformation since switching weight classes.

This Saturday’s event features notable matches including former champions Rose Namajunas and Cody Garbrandt competing against Miranda Maverick and Raoni Barcelos, respectively. Namajunas believes a title shot could still be a real possibility despite earlier setbacks.

Fight Card and Betting Odds

Main Card Matchup

Favorite	Underdog	Weight Class
Joaquin Buckley -270	Kamaru Usman +220	Welterweight
Rose Namajunas -240	Miranda Maverick +200	Women’s Flyweight
Edmen Shahbazyan -180	Andre Petroski +150	Middleweight
Raoni Barcelos -205	Cody Garbrandt +170	Bantamweight
Mansur Abdul-Malik -800	Cody Brundage +550	Middleweight
Oumar Sy -700	Alonzo Menifield +500	Light Heavyweight

Viewing Information
Date: June 14
Start time: 10 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Arena – Atlanta
TV Channel: ESPN
Stream: fubo (try for free)

Fight Prediction

I’m not ready to say Usman is past his prime. However, this fight will reveal his current standing in the evolving landscape of the welterweight division. Early signs indicate that Buckley’s momentum could prove decisive in this matchup. Though Usman’s wrestling and durability remain significant assets, Buckley’s recent performances have earned him considerable respect.

Prediction: Buckley via TKO, Round 4.

Check the full interview with Kamaru Usman.