UFC - UFC Fight Night
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by Stephen Abiola | in UFC Picks
Kamaru Usman (20-4-0) and Joaquin Buckley (21-6-0) will clash in a UFC welterweight matchup on Saturday night at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman will want to return to winning ways after recent disappointments. His downfall started in August 2022 when he lost the title to Leon Edwards, ending his 3-year reign. He lost in a title rematch a year later before losing to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023. Father Time might have finally caught up with the 38-year-old.
Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley will be looking to condemn Usman to his fourth straight defeat as he continues to build his profile. The 31-year-old was a former Bellator, Shamrock, and LFA standout performer before joining the UFC in August 2020. Since then, he has participated in 15 fights, the latest being his KO/TKO win against Colby Covington in December last year. He is a powerful finisher and could end the aging Usman with a clean strike on Saturday.
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Kamaru Usman - Joaquin Buckley Key Points
- Kamaru Usman lost his last three UFC fights.
- Joaquin Buckley won his last six UFC fights.
- Joaquin Buckley has four KO/TKO wins in his last six fights.
- The fight rounds lasted over 2.5 in the last four Kamaru Usman fights.
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Our Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley Prediction
Usman is an experienced fighter with an impeccable record. Before his recent losses, he had won 15 straight fights, defending the title successfully on five occasions. He can also defend himself well, recording a takedown defense average of 89%.
This skill should help him keep his dangerous opponent at bay for most of the night. However, Buckley is at the peak of his career and can finish off Usman with his famous punching power. He’ll know that his opponent may want to take the fight to the mat. However, he has significantly improved in this area, defending himself from takedowns by an average of 73%. It’s hard to see past a Usman win here.
Our prediction for Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley: Buckley to win by KO/TKO.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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