UFC Returns to Atlanta with Usman vs. Buckley on June 14

ATLANTA, Georgia — The UFC is set to return to State Farm Arena on Saturday, June 14, 2025, after a six-year hiatus. The main event features former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and rising contender Joaquin Buckley. The fight marks Usman’s chance to end a three-fight losing streak, while Buckley aims to extend his impressive run in the welterweight division.

Usman, 38, has not fought since losing a majority decision to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in October 2023. After a successful title reign, he dropped the title to Leon Edwards via knockout in 2022, and subsequent losses to Edwards in their rematches have raised questions about his career trajectory. ‘I need to prove I’m still a contender,’ Usman said in a recent interview.

On the other hand, Buckley, 31, boasts an impressive six-fight win streak since moving to welterweight, with notable victories over Vicente Luque and Colby Covington. ‘This fight is my opportunity to showcase my skills against a former champion,’ Buckley declared. With four knockouts in his last six fights, he is eager to solidify his place in the title conversation.

The event also features former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas taking on rising contender Miranda Maverick. Both fighters are looking to bounce back after mixed results in previous bouts. ‘This is my chance to reclaim my spot,’ Namajunas stated confidently.

Additional matches include Cody Garbrandt vs. Raoni Barcelos and Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Cody Brundage among others, promising an action-packed night. ‘Every fight matters,’ Garbrandt noted, highlighting the importance of this matchup for his career.

UFC Atlanta is expected to attract a large crowd with prelims beginning at 7 p.m. ET and the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in on ESPN and ESPN+ to catch the excitement live from Atlanta.