The UFC is making its return to Atlanta this weekend for the first time in six years, delivering a packed Fight Night event highlighted by a showdown between former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and rising contender Joaquin Buckley. Usman’s UFC return after nearly two years will see him face Buckley, who is currently on a six-fight winning streak, making this an intriguing matchup for fans eager to witness whether the veteran champion can curb Buckley’s momentum.
Main Card Highlights Top Welterweights and Notable Matchups
The main card centers on Usman’s comeback bout against Buckley, offering a high-stakes battle in one of the most competitive divisions in mixed martial arts. The co-main event features former two-time UFC champion Rose Namajunas, who will take on Miranda Maverick in a compelling three-round flyweight contest. Additionally, former bantamweight champ Cody Garbrandt attempts to rebound when he faces seasoned Brazilian Raoni Barcelos, another fighter known for his durability and tactical approach.
Diverse Card Boasts Rising Stars and Experienced Competitors
Besides the headliners, the 13-bout card showcases several undefeated prospects such as Malcolm Wellmaker, Mansur Abdul-Malik, and Oumar Sy, alongside established veterans. This blend promises a blend of fresh talent and seasoned expertise, adding depth and excitement to the event. All 26 fighters involved successfully made weight during the official weigh-in, setting the stage for an intense fight night.
Complete Fight Lineup for UFC Atlanta
The main card features the following matchups:
— Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley
— Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick
— Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski
— Cody Garbrandt vs. Raoni Barcelos
— Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Cody Brundage
— Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy
The preliminary card includes:
— Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato
— Michael Chiesa vs. Court McGee
— Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Kris Moutinho
— Cody Durden vs. Jose Ochoa
— Ricky Simon vs. Cameron Smotherman
— Philip Rowe vs. Ange Loosa
— Jamey-Lyn Horth vs. Vanessa Demopoulos
Expert Betting Predictions for UFC Atlanta’s Key Matchups
Ahead of the event, MMA analysts Aaron Bronsteter, Dan Fernandes, and Mike Johnston provided betting insights across several bouts, offering one cage lock, one favorite, one underdog, and one high-risk wager for each. Their combined analysis reflects the event’s unpredictable nature and the wide range of possible outcomes.
Aaron Bronsteter’s predictions:
– Cage Lock: Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick set to last the distance at -476 odds.
– Favorite: Edmen Shahbazyan at -182.
– Underdog: Kamaru Usman at +225.
– Dart Throw: Kamaru Usman by decision at +550.
Aaron conveyed uncertainty about the card’s balance due to many strong favorites and multiple victory paths. He noted that past training ties between Namajunas and Maverick could make their fight competitive. Regarding Usman and Buckley, Aaron believes Usman’s championship experience could be decisive if he weathers the early rounds.
Dan Fernandes’ insights:
– Cage Lock: Oumar Sy favored at -555.
– Favorite: Rose Namajunas at -240.
– Underdog: Paul Craig at +325.
– Dart Throw: Cody Garbrandt to win by decision at +425.
Dan explained that Namajunas, despite a recent five-round loss to Erin Blanchfield, should manage to keep her fight with Maverick standing to exploit striking advantages. He expects Paul Craig’s return to light heavyweight will bring renewed success against Rodolfo Bellato. For Garbrandt, Dan believes his takedown defense will neutralize Barcelos, allowing Garbrandt to earn a decision victory.
Mike Johnston’s selections:
– Cage Lock: Jamey-Lyn Horth at -525.
– Favorite: Ange Loosa at -133.
– Underdog: Paul Craig at +325.
– Dart Throw: Kamaru Usman by split or majority decision at +1600.
Mike cited concerns around Mansur Abdul-Malik’s weigh-in difficulties, shifting his confidence toward fighter Cody Brundage and emphasized Horth’s superior skill and size advantage over Vanessa Demopoulos. Mike also sees potential for a close decision win by Usman, underscoring the bout’s challenging odds.
Notable Fighter Performances to Watch and Their Stakes
Beyond Usman’s UFC return vs Joaquin Buckley, the card features fighters trying to leverage momentum or reestablish themselves within their divisions. Rose Namajunas aims to reclaim relevancy in the flyweight title scene, while Cody Garbrandt needs a crucial win to revive his career trajectory following a lengthy hiatus. Undefeated fighters like Malcolm Wellmaker and Mansur Abdul-Malik present future prospects worth tracking, as their performances might signal rising contenders in the sport.
Weight Management and Official Preparations Complete Ahead of Fights
All participants successfully made weight during the Friday weigh-in, an essential procedural step ensuring fighters meet division limits and preserve fairness. This confirmation dismisses concerns about last-minute changes or cancellations, paving the way for a fully intact 13-bout schedule. This also demonstrates the professionalism and readiness of each athlete involved in tomorrow’s event.
Potential Implications and Future Matchups Post-Event
The results of this UFC Fight Night in Atlanta carry significant implications across multiple divisions. Should Kamaru Usman secure victory, it may position him for a renewed title run or high-profile clash, potentially against fighters like Islam Makhachev, as Usman himself has hinted interest in that matchup if he overcomes Buckley. Conversely, a win for Buckley would solidify his standing as a serious title contender, intensifying the welterweight landscape.
Similarly, strong performances by Rose Namajunas and Cody Garbrandt could reestablish their competitive relevance and create new championship conversations. The blending of undefeated prospects and experienced veterans provides a tantalizing mix of stories and trajectories, ensuring the UFC’s long-term investment in this event will resonate beyond fight night.
As fans and analysts await the combat results, the blend of anxious anticipation, thoughtful reflection, and hopeful outlook permeates this returning Atlanta stage, promising a night rich with competition and consequential outcomes for the sport’s top athletes.