UFC Fight Night Atlanta: Usman vs. Buckley

The UFC returns to Atlanta this Saturday with a thrilling Fight Night event headlined by former champion Kamaru Usman and rising star Joaquin Buckley. The main event promises to be a clash of styles, with Usman's veteran savvy up against Buckley's explosive athleticism.

Main Event: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley

Expert Predictions:

• Anthony Smith (Retired Fighter): Usman by Decision
• Din Thomas (Retired Fighter): Buckley by Decision

Analysis: Usman, returning after a year and a half hiatus, faces a tough challenge in Buckley, who is on a six-fight winning streak. Smith believes Usman's experience and calculated approach will prevail, while Thomas sees Buckley's speed and movement as key factors.

Betting Insight (Ian Parker):

• Buckley to win (-280): Parker highlights Buckley's impressive form since moving to welterweight and his striking advantage. He notes that unless Usman can turn the fight into a wrestling match, Buckley is likely to emerge victorious.

Co-Main Event: Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick

Betting Insight (Ian Parker):

• Namajunas to win (-255): Parker expects Namajunas to control the pace and use her striking volume to secure a decision victory against the grapple-heavy Maverick.

Other Key Fights:

• Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski: Under 2.5 rounds
• Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Kris Moutinho: Wellmaker under 1.5 rounds

PFL World Tournament Semifinals

Welterweight: Thad Jean vs. Jason Jackson

• Jean to win (+135): Parker favors Jean's ability to defend takedowns and his underrated jiu-jitsu.

Featherweight: Jesus Pinedo vs. Gabriel Braga

• Pinedo to win (-275): Pinedo's controlled chaos and KO power are expected to overcome Braga's technical striking.

Welterweight: Logan Storley vs. Masayuki Kikuiri

• Storley to win inside the distance: Storley is heavily favored to dominate and secure a finish.

Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev vs. Tae Kyun Kim

• Khaybulaev to win (-225): Despite a recent layoff, Khaybulaev's dominant wrestling is expected to control the fight.

This weekend's fights promise high stakes and thrilling action, with expert predictions and betting insights guiding fans through the key matchups.