Expert prediction
UFC Atlanta: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Preview, Odds, Prediction (Jun 14)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley is the main event of UFC Atlanta.
- Usman is a former Weathertight champ who’s looking to end his 3-fight losing run.
- Buckley is a KO machine with six wins in a row.
Kamaru Usman is in dangerous territory, coming off three straight losses and stepping into the cage as a +225 underdog against a younger, hungrier Joaquin Buckley (-265). But calling it a wrap for The Nigerian Nightmare might be premature. Keep reading this Usman vs. Buckley preview to see why we think a betting upset is on the way.
How to Watch
- Where: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
- When: Saturday, June 14, 10 pm ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kamaru Usman | +225 |
| Joaquin Buckley | -275 |
Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Preview
Usman is 20-4 with three losses in a row, the first of which happened to Leon Edwards in the fight for the UFC Welterweight Championship. But he was winning the Leon Edwards fight before the infamous KO. Then the rematch happened, which Usman lost as well, but this time around, by majority decision.
Then came a bout against Khamzat Chimaev at Middleweight – another major-decision loss, this time in unfamiliar territory – it was the first time that Usman fought at 185lb.
At the age of 38, he’s looking to bounce back. There’s no doubt that he’s got the tools needed to get back into the championship conversation. He’s a former NCAA DII wrestling champ, landing 2.82 takedowns per 15 minutes, with a total of 59 in the UFC – second-most among active welterweights.
He also throws 4.36 significant strikes per minute and absorbs only 2.74, showing that he’s no slouch on the feet. But he’s nowhere near as good as Buckley when it comes to striking.
Buckley (21-6) is a KO machine – 15 wins by knockout, highlight-reel finishes, and a fearsome standup game. He even finished Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson, but let’s be clear – his grappling is nothing special.
He has no submission wins and tends to struggle when taken off his feet. Usman will need to survive the early chaos and drag Buckley to the ground.
Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Prediction
Buckley looks like someone who can knock-out almost anyone in the division. We say “almost” because we think he won’t do it to Usman. The former champ is someone who can outsmart Buckley, grinding out a victory with his incredible wrestling.
Free Pick:
- Kamaru Usman
MMA
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