Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is set to return to the Octagon this weekend, meeting rising knockout sensation Joaquin Buckley in the UFC Atlanta main event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This match gains added attention as Usman looks to revive his career, while Buckley aims to continue his rapid ascent in the division.
Retirement Talk Surrounds Usman Amid Current Losing Streak
Usman enters the fight with three consecutive losses, and a defeat against Buckley would mark four straight setbacks for the 38-year-old fighter known as the “Nigerian Nightmare.” According to betting analysts at BetIdeas.com, this scenario carries a 55-percent likelihood that Usman will retire after the event, reflecting widespread speculation about his future in the sport.
Steven McQuillan, a spokesman for BetIdeas.com, commented on the situation:
“There’s no doubt Kamaru Usman will go down as one of the best fighters in UFC history but he is currently on a three-fight losing streak and with the toll injuries have taken, it appears likely will only get worse from this point on,”
and added,
“There’s a chance that a healthy Usman beats Buckley this weekend but if it’s a one-sided loss, it looks unlikely that he will continue given the lack of championship fighting he will be doing.”
Odds and Comparisons With Other Fighters Eyeing Retirement
Usman is not the only fighter whose future is uncertain after UFC Atlanta. BetIdeas.com lists odds of retirement for several fighters, with Usman at -120, Cody Garbrandt at +400, and Rose Namajunas at +800. Notably, Garbrandt’s likelihood of retiring is higher than Namajunas’ according to these figures.
McQuillan provided insight into Garbrandt’s position:
“Cody Garbrandt put the world on notice with his performance against Dominick Cruz, but since then, the hype has fallen off a cliff, and it looks like we won’t see ‘No Love’ fight for a belt anytime soon,”
further warning,
“Another loss would be his seventh in the UFC and his future would look pretty bleak.”
Details on UFC Atlanta Fight Card and Broadcast
The UFC Atlanta event takes place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, hosting a packed fight card featuring several key matchups. The welterweight collision between Usman and Buckley is expected to deliver an exciting five-round contest that fans will watch on ESPN and ESPN+ from 10 p.m. ET. The event is held at the State Farm Arena, located in Atlanta, Georgia.
In the co-main event, former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas faces off against veteran flyweight Miranda Maverick, adding further anticipation to the evening’s fights. The preliminary matches begin earlier at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, providing full coverage for fight enthusiasts throughout the night.
Anticipation and Significance of the Upcoming UFC Atlanta Headliner
The matchup between Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley not only crowns the UFC Atlanta card but could signal a turning point in Usman’s career. A victory might offer him a chance to prolong his tenure at the highest level, while a loss might push him toward retirement. For Buckley, the bout presents an opportunity to solidify his reputation as a formidable title contender in the welterweight division.
The outcomes of this event will likely influence the competitive landscape of the UFC welterweight division and shape potential future title shots. Fans and analysts eagerly await to see if Usman’s return rekindles his status or if Buckley will further rise as one of the division’s top fighters.