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Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds for UFC Fight Night

Kamaru Usman is making his long-anticipated return to the UFC Octagon after leaving several years ago for the PFL He's now an underdog to Joaquin Buckley, can the 38-year-old veteran keep up? Jason Radowitz thinks so, taking a shot on the former champ in this Usman vs. Buckley prediction from UFC Fight Night in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kayla Harrison PFL Fight

Jason Radowitz

| 5 Minute Read

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds for UFC Fight Night

After two years away from the octagon, Kamaru Usman will make his return and headline the main event of UFC Fight Night in Atlanta, Georgia.

Usman held the welterweight championship belt from 2019 to 2021. However, he lost his belt to Leon Edwards in 2022 and was unable to regain the belt in a rematch in 2023.

After two losses to Edwards and another loss to Khamzat Chimaev, Usman took a two-year break. However, he's back and looking to rise up the rankings again for another chance at the belt.

He'll compete against Joaquin Buckley, who is undefeated in the welterweight division. Buckley moved to welterweight in 2023 and has added wins over notable names like Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson.

Buckley hasn't competed in 2025, but Usman hasn't been in a UFC octagon since 2023. Usman was always known for his cardio. But there are clearly some concerns there.

Therefore, despite Usman's past success, he's the underdog in this exciting showdown.

Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for the UFC Fight Night main event between Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley.

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Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Odds

  • Moneyline: Usman (+240), Buckley (-300)

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Date, Time, and Where to Watch

  • Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 PM ET (Main Card)
  • Where to Watch: ESPN

Click here for complete Usman vs. Buckley odds

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Prediction

Kamaru Usman is finally stepping back into the octagon at age 38. It's been 19 months since he's fought in the UFC, and now he'll have to fight in a five-round battle against one of the best up-and-coming fighters that the welterweight division has to offer in Joaquin Buckley.

Usman is a terrific wrestler and has really been taken down in the UFC. Again, he's known for having elite cardio and typically likes to pressure early.

Usman will likely try to put pressure on Buckley early. He'll want to gain control in the clinch and hope his stamina works to his advantage in the later rounds.

On the other hand, Buckley is one of the best strikers in the welterweight division. He's super athletic. He earned three TKOs in three of his last four fights, including a doctor stoppage in a win against Colby Covington in his previous time out.

Buckley will want to land early strikes and obviously avoid any potential takedowns. That said, Buckley doesn't have a ton of experience with five-round fights and hasn't faced many top-tier wrestlers in the sport.

The money continues to pour in on Buckley, but if Usman is a former champion, and knows how to prepare for fights. I have no doubts that his stamina will be great and that he'll be locked in for this match. He's had plenty of five-round fights, and many way more meaningful than this one.

I'll take the value with Usman at +240.

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Pick

MMA ODDS & PICKS

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