UFC Fight Night Set for Atlanta with Major Matchups

ATLANTA, GA – The UFC is headed to Atlanta on Saturday for a highly anticipated Fight Night event beginning at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+. This event features a main card headlined by former champion Kamaru Usman, who returns for the first time in a year and a half to face Kevin Holland, who boasts an impressive six-fight winning streak with four early finishes.

In the co-main event, another former champion, Rose Namajunas, will compete against Miranda Maverick. Namajunas is also looking to reclaim momentum, notably coming off mixed results in her past six fights, while Maverick is riding her own four-fight win streak.

This weekend also marks the return of the PFL World Tournament, set for Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. The tournament features semifinal bouts in the welterweight and featherweight divisions. Notably, undefeated prospect Impa Kasanganay (9-0) will take on former Bellator champion Yushin Okami (19-5) in the welterweight main event.

The PFL featherweight title holder, Brendan Loughnane (24-6-1), will face off against the man he defeated for the title, Marlon Moraes (16-2), in what serves as the rubber match of their three-fight series.

ESPN staff writer Brett Okamoto provided insights and predictions from former UFC fighters regarding the main event, with varying opinions on who might come out on top. Anthony Smith weighed in favor of Usman, citing his experience, while Din Thomas pointed to Buckley’s speed and athleticism.

Okamoto stated that Usman has taken his time in returning to competition, suggesting he may see something advantageous in this matchup that others don’t. Meanwhile, Parker noted that Buckley’s consistent winning streak may be difficult for Usman to overcome.

As the anticipation builds for these matchups, fans are eager to see if Usman can defy expectations or if Buckley will continue his rise in the welterweight division. With Namajunas and Maverick also set to dazzle fans, Saturday’s fight night promises to deliver excitement.