Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley: Nigerian Nightmare returns to headline UFC Atlanta

Former 170-pound champion Kamaru Usman is scheduled to return to the octagon in June, making welterweight combat the main event at UFC Atlanta.

On June 14, 2025, Usman (20-4) will face Joaquin Buckley (21-6) in the Fight Night card's main event. The booking was announced by UFC officials on Friday.

Since his third straight defeat to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023, Kamaru "The Nigerian Nightmare" Usman has not been seen in action.

Having been undefeated from 2013 to 2021, the former welterweight champion lost his title to Leon Edwards in 2022 after being knocked out by a head kick in the fifth and final round of UFC 278.

Usman lost to Chimaev by majority decision after dropping a decision in the rematch, and he hasn't participated since.

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Among the UFC's welterweight division's up-and-coming, next-generation talents are Joaquin Buckley, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, Jack Della Maddalena, and Sean Brady.

Buckley has defeated Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson and, most recently, Colby Covington in his six-fight winning streak.

According to the promotion's official welterweight rankings, Buckley is placed #6 and Usman #4.

The State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia will host UFC Atlanta on June 14, 2025.