This fight is ultimately a fascinating study in how stylistic elements interact in MMA. Buckley represents the archetype of the new breed: fast, explosive, and unpredictable
Usman is the battle-tested technician: slower, but savvier and more versatile in high-pressure scenarios.
The winner will be the fighter who best imposes their pace. If Buckley can maintain range and energy, he can upset the former champion.
But if Usman turns the cage into a wrestling mat and Buckley’s cardio fades, the veteran’s grind could once again prove insurmountable.
Stylistically, this fight favors Usman due to his wrestling and experience. But fights are not won on paper. Buckley’s power and momentum are real threats.
If he can defend the takedown and keep the fight upright for extended periods, a dramatic upset is possible — even probable.
Fans tuning in to UFC Atlanta are in for a fascinating clash of styles, eras, and narratives. Will the seasoned veteran reassert his dominance? Or will the hungry challenger seize the biggest win of his career?
Also Read: Joaquin Buckley (MMA): Who Is He? Bio, Wiki, Children, Career, Net Worth 2024 and More
Table of Contents
Joaquin Buckley’s Moment of Truth: The Road to UFC Atlanta Glory
Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley has long been known as one of the UFC’s most explosive knockout artists.1
His highlight-reel finish of Impa Kasanganay is widely regarded as one of the greatest knockouts in MMA history.
But tonight, under the bright lights of UFC Atlanta, he steps into the Octagon for what could be a career-defining bout — a main event showdown against former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
This fight represents more than just another victory opportunity; it’s a pivotal clash that could vault Buckley into the top echelon of title contenders in the welterweight division.
But can he rise to the occasion against one of the most dominant welterweights the UFC has ever seen?
Should be rule you miss weight 50% of your bag goes to the opponent bet mfs make weight if that’s happens #UFC316
— Joaquin New Mansa Buckley (@Newmansa94) June 7, 2025
Psychological Warfare: Who Has More to Lose?
This fight also represents a mental test for both men. For Usman, it’s a battle to retain relevance. He’s already lost the title and is facing calls for retirement.
A loss to Buckley would signal a significant step back and may eliminate him from future title conversations.
For Buckley, it’s an opportunity — but also a high-pressure moment. Headlining a UFC card for the first time, against a former champion, is a massive leap. The spotlight is brighter, the stakes higher, and the margin for error far smaller.
The mental game will be pivotal. Who handles adversity better? Who maintains composure when the fight doesn’t go to plan? Those answers may well determine the winner.
Joaquin Buckley’s Evolution: From Knockouts to Main Events
Joaquin Buckley’s rise through the UFC ranks hasn’t been without its bumps, but his ability to bounce back — both physically and mentally — has made him one of the most compelling figures in the sport.2
Known for his explosive power and unrelenting aggression, Buckley has steadily improved his overall game since entering the promotion.
In his early UFC fights, Buckley was seen as a pure striker with limited ground game, often leaving himself vulnerable to takedowns and submissions. However, recent bouts have shown an evolution in his approach.
His footwork is sharper, his shot selection more calculated, and he’s begun mixing in defensive wrestling to stay off the mat.
Tonight’s fight, however, will be the ultimate test of that growth.
Kamaru Usman: The Immovable Obstacle
Kamaru Usman is no ordinary opponent. The former welterweight king is one of the most well-rounded fighters in UFC history.
With a record that includes wins over Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, Gilbert Burns, and Tyron Woodley, Usman dominated the 170-pound division for years with a suffocating wrestling style and an ever-improving striking game.
Although he has dropped his last two fights — both to Leon Edwards, the current champion — Usman remains a top-tier threat, and his championship experience could prove invaluable in a five-round war.
Usman’s control on the ground, coupled with his pressure striking, has broken many high-level fighters. Buckley must tread carefully.
Wrestling: The Deciding Factor?
While Buckley’s striking is his greatest weapon, the elephant in the room is whether he can withstand and counter Usman’s wrestling.
Historically, Usman has used relentless takedowns and control to neutralize even the most dangerous strikers. If Buckley cannot stop the takedown or escape from bottom position, he risks being dominated for 25 minutes.
Buckley’s takedown defense has shown flashes of promise, particularly in his recent fights where he demonstrated improved hips and underhook awareness.
However, none of his past opponents possess the wrestling pedigree of Usman, a former NCAA Division II national champion with unmatched cage control.
To win, Buckley doesn’t have to out-wrestle Usman — but he does need to defend well enough to keep the fight standing for large stretches.
Power vs. Pressure: Styles Make Fights
This fight is a textbook example of “power vs. pressure.” Buckley is at his best when he can plant his feet, throw heavy combinations, and overwhelm opponents with his speed and strength.
Usman, on the other hand, thrives on breaking fighters down with pressure, clinch work, and cardio.
One of the more underrated aspects of Buckley’s recent fights is his conditioning. Previously seen as a fast starter who faded late, Buckley has shown he can go the distance while maintaining composure.
He’ll need every ounce of that endurance against Usman, who is notorious for his grinding style and late-fight dominance.
If Buckley can establish range, avoid the clinch, and keep the fight in the center of the Octagon, his chances of scoring a knockout or winning on points increase dramatically.
Joaquin Buckley: Technical Keys for Him
To give himself the best chance at victory, Buckley must implement a smart, disciplined game plan.3
Some keys to his success include:
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Maintain Distance – Using footwork to avoid clinches and keep Usman at kicking and punching range will be vital.
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Defensive Wrestling – He must sprawl effectively and be ready to counter the inevitable takedown attempts.
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Leg Kicks and Body Work – Slowing Usman down early with kicks to the legs and body can reduce his pressure.
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Explosion in Moments – Rather than constantly hunting for the finish, Buckley must pick the right moments to unleash his power.
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Stamina Management – He should avoid empty flurries and pace himself for all five rounds if necessary.
A Star-Making Opportunity
The UFC is in constant search of new stars. A victory for Joaquin Buckley over a name like Usman could instantly elevate him to that status.
He already has a viral highlight to his name, but tonight he could cement his legacy as a legitimate contender — and possibly a future champion.
The UFC welterweight division is deep, with the likes of Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, and Shavkat Rakhmonov in the title mix.
A Buckley win tonight inserts him into that conversation and opens the door to lucrative, high-profile fights in 2025 and beyond.
What If Buckley Loses?
A loss tonight wouldn’t be the end of Buckley’s road, but it would be a learning experience.
If he can survive five rounds and make the fight competitive, even in defeat, he will earn respect and valuable cage time. Fighters often grow more from tough losses than easy wins.
But Buckley isn’t stepping into the Octagon tonight to “learn.” He’s coming to win, and his mindset leading up to this bout suggests he believes he’s ready for the challenge.
Also Read: Colby Covington Defends Joe Rogan: The Bold Stand That Sparked Debate Amid Controversy
Joaquin Buckley’s Strength
Kinetic Power and Relentless Movement
Buckley is not a specialist in any particular discipline, but what he lacks in refinement, he compensates for with athleticism and brute strength.
His explosiveness—most famously showcased in his viral spinning back kick knockout—makes him a constant danger on the feet. He thrives when given space to move, utilizing a bouncing rhythm that keeps his opponents guessing.
What separates Buckley from traditional strikers is his ability to change direction rapidly, create power from odd angles, and fire combinations with speed and aggression.
He is at his most effective when the fight remains on the feet and at kicking or punching range, where his strength and quickness allow him to overwhelm opponents who can’t keep up.
The Achilles’ Heel: Grappling Limitations
- Despite his highlight-reel knockouts and aggressive style, Buckley’s deficiencies on the mat are apparent. Against high-level grapplers, he has struggled to maintain control.
- His takedown defense is passable at best, and once he is taken down, his scrambling ability and submission defense leave much to be desired.
- Even against Colby Covington, whose wrestling credentials are strong but arguably a tier below Usman’s, Buckley was taken down.
- Though he ultimately won that fight, it revealed how vulnerable he becomes once fatigue sets in and his physical attributes begin to wane.
- Usman, a former NCAA Division II national champion, represents a much greater grappling threat.
- His pressure-based wrestling is tailor-made to wear down fighters like Buckley, who rely on movement and bursts of energy. In extended ground exchanges, Buckley would find himself outclassed and potentially dominated.
Can Joaquin Buckley Sustain His Style?
The biggest question surrounding Buckley’s style is sustainability. His explosive movement comes at a high energy cost. While he looks dangerous in the opening rounds, that threat diminishes significantly as he tires.
Once fatigue sets in, his defense deteriorates, his footwork becomes sluggish, and his takedown defense drops off a cliff.
Usman, by contrast, is a master of managing energy. His grinding, smothering approach might not always look exciting, but it is built to wear down opponents round by round.
If Buckley can’t score an early knockout or establish a strong lead through three rounds, the latter part of the fight could turn into a clinic of control from Usman.
Striking Matchup: Power vs. Precision
On the feet, Buckley is clearly the more explosive and dangerous striker. His ability to throw with power from odd angles gives him a distinct edge in terms of knockout potential.
Usman, while improved under the tutelage of Trevor Wittman, is still relatively basic in his striking approach. He tends to rely on a jab-cross combination, low kicks, and occasional clinch strikes.
However, Usman’s striking is effective when paired with the threat of takedowns. If Buckley becomes too focused on defending takedowns, his guard may drop, leaving him open to Usman’s underrated jab or body shots in the clinch.
In other words, while Buckley may have the edge in raw striking, Usman’s integrated MMA striking could still find success.
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The Mental Game: Experience vs. Momentum
Usman is a seasoned former champion who has fought and defeated the very best in the division. He knows how to manage big moments and adapt under pressure.
Buckley, while riding momentum and confidence, lacks this high-level championship experience. In closely contested fights, composure and the ability to stay calm in adversity often make the difference.
Usman has been in five-round wars, championship fights, and pressure-filled rematches. Buckley has never been tested at that level. If the fight enters deep waters, the mental edge swings decisively in Usman’s favor.
Potential Outcomes and X-Factors
If the fight stays upright, especially for the first two rounds, Buckley has the power and movement to score a knockout or rack up points with volume striking.
A mobile, fresh Buckley can give even the best wrestlers problems if they can’t touch him early. However, if Usman can weather the storm, close the distance, and impose clinch control, the fight could quickly tilt in his favor.
The biggest unknown is whether Usman can still perform at a high level physically. If the decline has reached a point where he can’t impose his wrestling, Buckley might have his signature moment.
But if Usman has one more grind-it-out performance left in him, he is more than capable of neutralizing Buckley’s explosive tendencies.
Also Read: Tom Aspinall (MMA): Bio, Career, Height, Weight, Personal Life, Net Worth 2024 and Training Session
