Kamaru Usman Set for High-Stakes Return Against Joaquin Buckley on June 14 in Atlanta, GA — Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is poised to make a significant return to the Octagon on June 14, 2025, headlining UFC on ESPN 69 at State Farm Arena. Facing rising contender Joaquin Buckley, this bout marks Usman's first fight since his middleweight debut loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023. Usman, known as "The Nigerian Nightmare," boasts a professional record of 20–4 and is currently ranked fourth in the UFC welterweight division. His impressive career includes a 15-fight winning streak and five successful title defenses, solidifying his legacy as one of the division's most dominant champions. However, consecutive losses to Leon Edwards and Chimaev have prompted questions about his current form. Joaquin Buckley, with a 21–6 record, enters the fight on a six-fight winning streak, including notable victories over Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson.
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Currently ranked seventh, Buckley's recent performances have positioned him as a formidable contender eager to challenge the division's elite. The outcome of this match holds significant implications for the welterweight title picture. Reigning champion Belal Muhammad, set to defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, has dismissed Usman's recent provocations, citing his recent losses and questioning his current threat level. Nonetheless, a decisive victory for Usman could reignite discussions about his place among the division's top contenders. UFC on ESPN 69 features a compelling main card, including a co-main event between former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas and rising flyweight Miranda Maverick. Additional bouts include Michael Chiesa vs. Court McGee, Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Cody Brundage, and a heavyweight clash between Alonzo Menifield and Oumar Sy. Preliminary fights are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET, with the main card commencing at 10 p.m. ET. This event marks the UFC's return to Atlanta for the first time since 2019, promising an evening of high-stakes matchups and potential shifts in divisional hierarchies.
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