On a thrilling night at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley delivered a packed card featuring some of the sport’s most compelling fighters, culminating in a five-round welterweight main event that saw former champion Kamaru Usman reclaim his footing with a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley. The event, held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, offered fans a mix of technical brilliance, dramatic finishes, and unexpected twists from the prelims through the main card, showcasing why UFC Fight Night remains a marquee date on the MMA calendar.
The main event pitted fifth-ranked Kamaru "The Nigerian Nightmare" Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) against seventh-ranked Joaquin "New Mansa" Buckley (21-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in a welterweight showdown that had the MMA world buzzing. Usman, 38, was returning to the 170-pound division for the first time since a trilogy loss to Leon Edwards in March 2023 and was looking to halt a three-fight losing streak that included a majority decision defeat to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023. Buckley, on the other hand, entered the bout on a scorching six-fight winning streak, having recently knocked out Colby Covington in December 2024 and was favored by sportsbooks at -245 odds.
From the opening bell, Usman demonstrated the veteran savvy that earned him five successful welterweight title defenses in the past. He landed a sharp elbow early that caused a cut over Buckley’s right eye, setting the tone for his control through the first three rounds. Usman’s grappling and takedown skills were on full display as he repeatedly brought Buckley to the mat, stifling the challenger’s striking rhythm and showcasing the wrestling dominance that once made him a feared champion. Buckley’s aggression intensified in the fifth round with several uppercut attempts aiming to turn the tide, but Usman’s composure and durability held firm.
When the final horn sounded, the judges scored the bout unanimously in favor of Usman (49-46 twice, 48-47), snapping his losing skid and marking a triumphant return to form. The emotional Nigerian-American fighter expressed relief and determination after the win, stating, "I needed to get that monkey off my back." This victory not only reasserted Usman’s position among the welterweight elite but also reignited discussions about his potential to climb back up the divisional ladder.
The co-main event featured a women's flyweight clash between two formidable competitors: seventh-ranked Rose Namajunas (14-7) and eleventh-ranked Miranda Maverick (17-5). Namajunas, a two-time strawweight champion now seeking glory at 125 pounds, entered the fight needing a win after a recent loss to Erin Blanchfield. Demonstrating her trademark pressure and technical striking, Namajunas controlled the fight and earned a unanimous decision victory (30-27 twice, 29-28), marking her third win in four flyweight bouts and keeping her championship aspirations alive.
Middleweight action saw Edmen Shahbazyan (14-5) secure his second consecutive win by unanimous decision over Andre Petroski (13-4). Shahbazyan impressed with his striking and fight IQ, dominating the distance battle. Meanwhile, bantamweight veteran Raoni Barcelos (20-5) edged out former champion Cody Garbrandt (14-6) in a closely contested unanimous decision, continuing his impressive run and answering Garbrandt’s long-standing call for a matchup.
In a middleweight bout marked by an unusual finish, undefeated Mansur Abdul-Malik (8-0) defeated Cody Brundage (11-6) via technical decision after an accidental headbutt early in the third round halted the fight. The judges awarded Abdul-Malik the win based on the completed rounds, preserving his perfect record and adding intrigue to his rising career.
Light heavyweight underdog Oumar Sy (11-0) continued his unbeaten streak by handing Alonzo Menifield (16-5-1) his first professional loss via unanimous decision, showcasing his skill and composure against a seasoned opponent.
The preliminary card was equally action-packed, with several standout moments. Paul Craig (17-9-1) and Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-1) saw their light heavyweight bout end in a no contest after Craig’s upkick accidentally knocked Bellato out briefly. Michael Chiesa (18-7) earned a unanimous decision over Court McGee (23-13) despite a clash of heads and an accidental low blow during their welterweight fight.
Bantamweight Malcolm Wellmaker (10-0) dazzled with a first-round knockout of Kris Moutinho (14-6), while flyweight Jose Ochoa (7-1) scored his first UFC victory by knocking out Cody Durden (17-7-1) in the second round. Ricky Simon (21-6) also secured a unanimous decision win over Cameron Smotherman (12-5) in a spirited bantamweight battle.
Welterweight Phil Rowe (10-5) staged a remarkable comeback, rallying in the third round to stop Ange Loosa (10-4) by TKO after Loosa suffered a bloody mouth injury and was unable to continue. Jamey-Lyn Horth (7-2) dominated Vanessa Demopoulos (11-7) in the women’s flyweight division, winning by unanimous decision with relentless pressure and precise striking.
The event’s accessibility was enhanced by multiple viewing options. The prelims streamed exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET, while the main card aired on ESPN and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET. Fans could also catch live audio coverage on SiriusXM Fight Nation, satellite channel 156, and streaming via the SiriusXM app, providing comprehensive access to the night’s action. Additionally, live streams were available through popular platforms like FuboTV, DirecTV, and SlingTV, many offering free trials or low introductory rates.
Sports betting expert Daniel Vithlani of SportsLine had predicted several outcomes accurately, including Phil Rowe’s upset over Ange Loosa on the prelims. Usman entered the fight as an underdog (+200 odds), and his victory defied the betting expectations, underscoring the unpredictable nature of MMA. Meanwhile, Buckley’s six-fight winning streak came to an end, highlighting the competitive depth of the welterweight division.
The night also featured intense discussions about Usman’s future in the sport. At 38, questions linger about his longevity at the highest level, but his performance proved he still has the skill and heart to compete. Analysts noted his wrestling dominance and strategic approach as key factors in his win, while Buckley’s aggressive standup kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final bell.
As the dust settles on UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley, the welterweight division looks poised for fresh rivalries and compelling matchups. Usman’s return to winning form sets the stage for potential high-stakes bouts, while Buckley’s power and striking prowess ensure he remains a dangerous contender. The event showcased the dynamic talent pool across multiple weight classes and reaffirmed UFC’s status as the premier stage for mixed martial arts competition.
