After more than six years, the UFC makes it's return to Atlanta, Georgia for a stunning fight night which could bring all sorts of surprises. The headliner features a high-level Welterweight matchup between former champion and #5 contender, Kamaru Usman, against the #7 contender, Joaquin Buckley. Here is everything you need to know before the action begins at the State Farm Arena.
Currently standing on a three-fight losing streak, Usman has not fought since October 2023 when he suffered a second consecutive majority decision defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
The Auchi-born fighter was previously the king of the 170-pound division, defeating the likes of Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal.
The Nigerian Nightmare has a 50% finish rate out of his 20 professional triumphs in MMA with nine of his victories ending by KO/TKO.
This could arguably be Usman's last battle in the UFC if he is unsuccessful as he looks to make the most of the opportunity of having one last chance at UFC gold, in order to become a two-time Welterweight Champion.
Buckley is sitting on a six-fight win streak after stopping Covington in his last bout by third-round TKO at UFC Tampa, moving him closer to the top five in the rankings.
In the same year, the St Louis mixed martial artist has put on showstopping performances against Stephen Thompson, Nursulton Ruziboev and Vicente Luque.
New Mansa loves to finish his opponents by knockout as 15 of his 21 triumphs have ended by KO/TKO.
The #7 Welterweight contender has looked unstoppable ever since he moved down from 185 pounds as he has the chance to take down one of the greatest 170-pounders to compete in MMA.
other fights you should look out for
Edmen Shahbazyan vs Andre Petroski - Shahbazyan put himself back in the win column when he defeated Dylan Budka by first-round knockout at UFC Vegas 102. The Golden Boy has stopped 12 of his 14 conquered opponents by KO/TKO as he does not mess around with his striking. The Glendale-born fighter is searching for his first UFC win streak since November 2019.
Petroski is on a three-fight winning streak after defeating Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 102. The Pennsylvania fighter has earned 8 stoppage victories in his MMA career, sharing four KO/TKO wins and submissions. One more win for Petroski could see him close in on a potential opportunity of fighting for a place in the Middleweight rankings.
Paul Craig vs Rodolfo Bellato - Craig currently stands on a three-fight losing streak after his last result ended by unanimous decision against Bo Nickal at UFC 309. BearJew has a 100% finish rate in MMA with four wins by KO/TKO and 13 by submission. The Scotsman makes his return to the 205 pounds as he's in desperate need of redemption in Atlanta.
Bellato increased his unbeaten streak to five when he went the distance with Jimmy Crite which ended by majority decision at UFC 312. Out of his 12 victories, the Brazilian has only gone to the judges scorecards once, holding seven KO/TKO wins and four submissions. Trator has the chance to defeat a former Light Heavyweight contender and push himself near the top 15 of the division.
Malcolm Wellmaker vs Kris Moutinho - Wellmaker could not have had a better first impression in the organisation when he knocked out Cameron Saaiman in the first round at UFC Kansas City. The Machine is undefeated with nine triumphs, five of those have ended by KO/TKO and two by submission. The Augusta-born fighter is hoping for another showstopping performance that can prove he is a huge prospect in the Bantamweight division.
Moutinho makes his return to the UFC after gaining a five-fight win streak as his last fight ended by second-round TKO against Johnny Campbell at Cage Titans 68. The Milford-born mixed martial artist has stopped nine of the 14 opponents he has triumphed over with six KO/TKO victories and three submissions. Moutinho is still in search of his first UFC win and with a second stint in the organisation, he will try to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Who takes the W in the main event of UFC Atlanta? Which fight are you looking forward to the most?
Written by Charlie Oxtoby
Instagram: charlie_oxtoby
MMA Instagram: undisputed._.mma
Twitter: Charlie_Oxtoby1
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