Watch us on the 15th of June, 2025, as we broadcast the epic encounter between Usman and Bakli. Keep an eye on your screens for the venue details, forthcoming!
Welcome to the Showdown
On the hot June 15th night, Atlanta gets ready for UFC on ESPN 69, featuring a thrilling welterweight bout between formidable fighters Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley.
Usman, the accomplished "Nigerian Nightmare," once ruled the division from 2019 to 2021, keeping his title intact through five impressive defenses. However, his reign took an unexpected twist against Leon Edwards, losing his title via a surprising last-minute knockout. In the rematch, a split decision went against him, and a short-notice bout with Khamzat Chimaev ended in defeat. Taking a break from action, Usman believes that he's not just ready, but unstoppable against Buckley, overlooking him as a genuine threat.
Buckley, on the other hand, has been climbing the UFC ranks since 2020. A recent six-fight winning streak — which includes victories over Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington — has catapulted him into the limelight. His Performance against Covington was noteworthy: Covington couldn't hold his own, and the doctor stepped in to save him from further punishment. Talk of Buckley shaking up the division has been buzzing ever since.
In Russia, fans can catch the action on UFC Fight Pass, Match TV and Match! Fighter channels, matchtv.ru, and BC Vinline, with the main event starting at 7:30 PM Moscow Standard Time.
👋 Bonus Reads:
- Bets and predictions for the Kamaru Usman - Joaquin Buckley fight, June 15, 2025
Extra Insights:
UFC on ESPN 69: Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley
Present Form
- Kamaru Usman: After suffering a loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023, Usman makes a comeback to the welterweight division following a brief stint in the middleweight. Renowned for his dominant wrestling background, Usman was once a formidable welterweight champion.
- Joaquin Buckley: Buckley's recent victories over Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington have made him a force to be reckoned with, elevating him to contender status.
Past Accomplishments
- Kamaru Usman: Usman boasts an impressive UFC history, with a strong record as a welterweight champion. He's taken on and defeated numerous top-tier opponents, including Tyron Woodley and Colby Covington.
- Joaquin Buckley: Buckley's past performances are characterized by aggressive striking and the ability to finish fights with electrifying knockouts.
Predictions
- With Buckley's recent success and momentum in the welterweight division, he entered the fight as the favorite. Usman's wrestling skills and experience were seen as crucial factors against Buckley's aggressive approach.
Outcome
- In a fierce contest, Usman managed to claim the victory via unanimous decision, demonstrating his adaptability, endurance, and skillset in countering Buckley's striking. This win places Usman back in the title contention in the welterweight division.
Evaluation
- Usman's Victory: Usman's triumph highlighted his ability to control the flow of the fight using his wrestling, and this victory reestablished his presence as a major player in the welterweight division.
- Buckley's Performance: Despite the loss, Buckley showed his tenacity and ability to push a top-tier welterweight to the limit. His performance emphasizes his potential as a strong contender in the division.
Bookmakers are considering Joaquin Buckley as a potential upset for the sports event, UFC on ESPN 69, in the mixed-martial-arts bout against Kamaru Usman, the former formidable welterweight champion. Buckley's recent string of victories, including those against Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington, have earned him a significant following and the favoritism in the betting market, signifying a possible shift in the division's power dynamics.
