The UFC returns to Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, June 15th in 2025 to stage a stacked Fight Night show in the State Farm Arena. Headlining a crazy Fight Night card will be a thrilling bout between former champion and welterweight title prospect Kamaru Usman and rising knockout star Joaquin Buckley. The bout has all the potential to be a barnburner. Let's break down the competitors, strengths, and what the betting lines are predicting.
Kamaru Usman Fighter Profile
Record: 20-4
Age: 38 Years
Strengths
Domination in Wrestling: The former NCAA Division II champion, Usman, has a staggering 2.82 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Efficiency in Striking. Praised for accurate striking with 4.36 meaningful strikes per minute.
Weaknesses
Decline with Age: The 38-year-old former welterweight champion also has a three-bout losing spree with signs of slowing down.
Loss of Momentum: Usman's recent losses by way of the brutal head-kick KO to Leon Edwards and the decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev highlight weaknesses.
Although Usman remains a threat, the question is whether he has the stamina and strength to turn the clock back against Buckley.
Joaquin Buckley Fighter Profile
Record: 21-6 wins
Age: 31
Strengths
Knockout Power: With 15 KO/TKO victories, Buckley is a brutal striker who can end a battle at any time.
Buckley has a current six-fight winning streak with wins against Stephen Thompson (KO) and Colby Covington (TKO by doctor stoppage).
Agility and youthfulness: Buckley's strength and speed make him a nightmare to play against for older opponents.
Weaknesses
Grappling weaknesses: Wrestlers have tried out Buckley's takedown defense, but this has been improving in his recent fights.
Moving up the ranks consistently in the welterweight category, Buckley's knockout skillset and busy fighting style make him a clear favorite for this clash.
Fight Analysis
Styles Make Fights
This fight pits Usman's world-class wrestling against the highlight-reel striking of Buckley. While Usman may be able to close distance and press his wrestling if he can, Buckley's aggressive work on takedown defense and his ability to take advantage of whatever opportunities present themselves indicates he will be able to maintain the bout in the upright position.
Key Considerations
Age Consideration: Usman, 38, may not possess the same stamina and agility as 31-year-old Buckley, who is in his prime as an athlete.
Momentum: Buckley seems to have the world of confidence after rolling out back-to-back dominating performances.
Fight IQ: Usman's champion background may come into play if the bout goes to the later rounds.
Prediction
Buckley's explosive power, speed, and hitting ability will be too much for Usman's remaining skills. Look for a round 4 TKO win by Joaquin Buckley.
Complete Breakdown of Usman vs Buckley Betting Odds (via Stake.com)
Fight Venue: Atlanta's State Farm Arena
Date and Time: 15th of June 2025, 2.00AM (UTC)
Looking at this much-hyped bout's betting market, Stake.com presents a variety of interesting wagers for customers to explore. Below is a detailed analysis of the best odds being provided for the bout
Winner Betting Odds
The Winner Odds show the likelihood of each fighter winning. Joaquin's recent run of form, youth, and power-hitting make him the top pick. Veteran Kamaru Usman, though a veteran in his own right, enters as an underdog following a series of subpar performances.
Joaquin Buckley: 1.38
Kamaru Usman: 3.05
These probabilities show that bookies heavily favor wins for Buckley but Usman's background in wrestling and increased experience bring in a factor of doubt.
1*2 Odds
The 1*2 Odds encompasses the results of a fight with a draw among them. Although in MMA this is rare but can occur, a bout may end in a draw with a scorecard or other atypical circumstances.
Buckley to Win (1): 1.36
Draw (X): 26.00
Usman to Win (2): 2.85
It's clear from these probabilities that a score draw remains an extremely unlikely outcome with the outright head-to-head lead remaining in Buckley's favor.
Asian Total (Over/Under)
The Asian Total market targets whether the battle will go over or under a certain number of rounds. Under consideration of the styles of the fighters and Usman's trend for grinding out longer fights and Buckley's aggressive striking style, the following are promising options in this market:
Over 4.5 Rounds: 2.01
Under 4.5 Rounds: 1.78
These evenly weighted probabilities indicate a sentiment among oddsmakers that the bout either will conclude relatively early due to the knockout ability of Buckley or will go into the mid-rounds if Usman can neutralize his opponent's explosion.
Final Verdict
The fight presents opposing styles and enough value on which to wager. An early finish prices favor Buckley, but Over/Under markets provide a reward for someone with a good understanding of the style of both fighters. A careful review of each market and how the style of the fighters will ultimately be revealed will serve bettors best.
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Final Thoughts on Usman vs Buckley
Final Thoughts on Usman vs. Buckley We have an interesting headlining bout with contrasting styles and generations in this UFC Fight Night. Do Buckley's knockout wins remain in the spotlight or do Usman recapture former glory? Everything points for Buckley to take over on Saturday but in the octagon anything can happen. Don't simply observe the fight; join in on the activity. Wager on your favorites, receive your bonuses, and enjoy an entire evening of thrilling MMA action.
