Usman vs Buckley Prediction
🔊 Experience or youth: Kamaru Usman or Joaquin Buckley? That's the main event awaiting us at UFC on ESPN 69, set to take place in Atlanta. The Nigerian fighter holds the fifth spot in the welterweight division, while the American is ranked seventh. Yet, it's Buckley who is considered a strong favorite and has promised to knock out the "Nigerian Nightmare." Will he succeed in doing so?
H2H Stats Fights and Previous Results
Kamaru Usman Player Overview
Kamaru Usman is a UFC legend and one of the welterweight division's all-time greats. He dominated the division for an extended period, holding the title from 2019 until 2022, when he was defeated by Leon Edwards. Usman was leading that fight but suffered a knockout less than a minute before the end.
Since then, the Nigerian has hit a rough patch in his career. He lost to Edwards again in a closely contested rematch and later stepped up on short notice to face Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. Initially, it seemed "Borz" would steamroll the "Nigerian Nightmare," but Usman withstood the early onslaught and began outstriking the Chechen. Had Usman been given more time, he might have emerged victorious on the scorecards, but we'll never know. The pressing question now is what shape the 38-year-old veteran is in after more than a year and a half out of action.
Match Results: Kamaru Usman
Joaquin Buckley Player Overview
Joaquin Buckley was just starting his journey in the UFC when Kamaru Usman was already holding the belt. Initially, he alternated between wins and losses in the middleweight division, but then he dropped down a weight class, and things started to click. In the welterweight division, the American is on a six-fight winning streak and is one of the top contenders for the title.
However, recently "New Mansa" has been defeating mostly veterans who are well past their prime. In October, he took down Stephen Thompson, and in December, he dispatched Colby Covington. Both fights ended early and were easy wins for Joaquin. Now, he faces another veteran, but this one is far more dangerous. Can Buckley overcome the former king of the division?
Match Results: Joaquin Buckley
Editorial Prediction
In our opinion, the bookmakers' odds seem highly questionable. Yes, Usman has passed his peak and is on a losing streak, but let's examine those losses closely: a knockout from Leon in a fight where Kamaru was dominating until that unfortunate high kick, a very close rematch, and then a battle with Khamzat where the Nigerian showed impressive form.
As for Buckley, his victories have come against either veterans or fighters not near the top of the rankings. Fighters like Thompson and Covington were significantly outmatched by his physical power, which won't be the case with Usman-Kamaru is actually taller and more robust.
In conclusion, we believe that if the Nigerian hasn't declined significantly during his layoff and approaches this bout in the same shape he displayed against Khamzat, Buckley will face a tough challenge. We don't see Usman as the underdog here, so we suggest taking a risk by betting on his victory.
