UFC - UFC Fight Night
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by Devesh Jaganath | in UFC Predictions
The UFC returns to Atlanta for the first time since April this weekend for Fight Night, headlined by Kamaru Usman taking on Joaquin Buckley in the welterweight division. The Nigerian Nightmare has a pro record of 20-4-0, while New Mansa is 21-6-0. Let’s get into the match prediction.
Kamaru Usman will be making his long-awaited return to the Octagon for the first time since October 2023, when he lost by majority decision to Khamzat Chimaev on debut.
Despite being a former UFC Welterweight Champion, the Nigerian Nightmare is installed as the underdog in this match, having now lost his last three fights, including back-to-back against Leon Edwards.
Edwards is also 38 now, and a 602-day hiatus is far from ideal. However, he is the superior grappler and will be in with a huge chance if he secures a few takedowns early.
While Usman was away, Joaquin Buckley has been building quite a reputation for himself, with his last match ending in a doctor’s stoppage win against Colby Covington last December.
Covington has several similarities to Usman, and while Buckley took a while to get into rhythm in that match, he was dominant once he figured out his opponent’s takedown tactics.
New Mansa is now on a six-match win streak. Many feel that he may not have the engine to match Usman, but being a power puncher, stamina may not play a huge role in this one.
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Kamaru Usman - Joaquin Buckley Key Points
- Kamaru Usman is on a three-match losing streak.
- Kamaru Usman has not fought since October 2023.
- Joaquin Buckley is on a six-match win streak.
- 15 of Joaquin Buckley’s 21 wins have come by KO/TKO.
- Joaquin Buckley is seven years younger than Usman.
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Our Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley Prediction
Kamaru Usman is making his long-awaited return to the Octagon, but at 38, there are concerns around how much of an impact father time may have had on him since the last time he had a pro fight.
Two years ago, you’d expect the Nigerian Nightmare to dominate Buckley on the mat in this match. However, New Mansa’s takedown defence against Covington last time out was exceptional, and if he can replicate that, we feel he may be able to finish Usman this weekend. Our Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley prediction is Joaquin Buckley wins the match.
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