The welterweight main event between Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley headlines UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley (UFC on ESPN 69) on June 14, 2025, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. This clash pits a former champion against a surging knockout artist, with significant implications for the welterweight division.

Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman, a Nigerian-American fighter, is a former UFC Welterweight Champion and The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament winner. With a professional record of 20 wins and 4 losses, Usman has 9 knockouts, 1 submission, and 10 decision victories, showcasing his dominance through wrestling, pressure, and striking power. His recent three-fight skid, including a knockout loss to Leon Edwards in 2022 and a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in 2023 at middleweight, has put him in a must-win situation. Usman’s elite wrestling, cardio, and championship experience make him a formidable force, though his recent losses highlight vulnerabilities against dynamic strikers.

Kamaru Usman – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Khamzat Chimaev – Majority Decision (UFC 294, October 21, 2023)
2. Loss vs. Leon Edwards – Majority Decision (UFC 286, March 18, 2023)
3. Loss vs. Leon Edwards – KO (Head Kick) (UFC 278, August 20, 2022)
4. Win vs. Colby Covington – Unanimous Decision (UFC 268, November 6, 2021)
5. Win vs. Jorge Masvidal – KO (Punch) (UFC 261, April 24, 2021)

Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin Buckley, an American fighter, is a rising star in the welterweight division known for his highlight-reel knockouts. With a professional record of 21 wins and 6 losses, Buckley has 15 knockouts and 6 decision victories, reflecting his explosive striking power. His recent five-fight win streak, capped by a TKO over Colby Covington in December 2024 and a knockout of Stephen Thompson in October 2024, has propelled him into title contention. Buckley’s athleticism and knockout ability make him a dangerous contender, but his wrestling defense remains a question mark against elite grapplers like Usman.

Joaquin Buckley – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Colby Covington – TKO (Doctor Stoppage) (UFC on ESPN, December 14, 2024)
2. Win vs. Stephen Thompson – KO (Punch) (UFC 307, October 5, 2024)
3. Win vs. Nursulton Ruziboev – Unanimous Decision (UFC on ESPN, May 11, 2024)
4. Win vs. Vicente Luque – TKO (Punches) (UFC on ESPN, March 30, 2024)
5. Win vs. Alex Morono – Unanimous Decision (UFC Fight Night, October 7, 2023)

Prediction:

This welterweight main event pits Kamaru Usman’s elite wrestling and pressure against Joaquin Buckley’s dynamic striking and knockout power. Usman’s path to victory lies in leveraging his superior grappling to control Buckley on the ground, as he did against Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, neutralizing Buckley’s striking with takedowns and top control. However, his recent knockout loss to Edwards shows vulnerability to well-timed strikes. Buckley, on the other hand, will aim to keep the fight standing, where his speed, power, and unorthodox striking can target Usman for a knockout, as seen in his finishes of Thompson and Luque.

Usman’s championship experience and wrestling pedigree give him an edge in a grinding fight, but Buckley’s current momentum and knockout threat make this a dangerous matchup. If Usman can weather early striking and impose his grappling, he could dominate rounds or secure a late finish. However, Buckley’s recent form and ability to land devastating strikes suggest he can catch Usman, especially if the former champion shows signs of wear from his recent losses. Expect Buckley to capitalize on a striking exchange to end Usman’s night early.

Prediction:

Joaquin Buckley def. Kamaru Usman via KO (Punch) in Round 2.