Thu Jun 12 05:50:00 UTC 2025: **UFC Returns to Atlanta with Usman vs. Buckley Headlining Action-Packed Fight Night**
**Atlanta, GA** – The UFC makes its highly anticipated return to Atlanta’s State Farm Arena this Saturday, June 14, 2025, after a six-year hiatus. While no titles are on the line, the fight card is stacked with compelling matchups and rising stars eager to make their mark.
The main event features former welterweight champion Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman (20-4) taking on surging contender Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley (18-6). Usman, returning to the welterweight division after a short-notice middleweight bout last year, looks to snap a three-fight losing streak and reassert his dominance. Buckley, on a remarkable six-fight win streak, aims to solidify his status as a top contender with a victory over a former champion.
The co-main event showcases a flyweight clash between Rose Namajunas (13-6) and Miranda Maverick (13-5). Namajunas, a former strawweight champion, seeks to rebound from a recent loss and continue her journey in the flyweight division. Maverick, riding a four-fight win streak, views this as her biggest opportunity to date to break into the top tier of the division.
Other notable matchups on the card include:
* Edmen Shahbazyan (12-4) vs. Andre Petroski (10-2) in a middleweight bout between fighters looking to climb the rankings.
* Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt (13-6) returns against veteran Raoni Barcelos (19-5).
* Mansur Abdul-Malik (8-0) faces Cody Brundage (10-5) in a middleweight bout.
* Alonzo Menifield (15-3) takes on undefeated Oumar Sy (11-0) in a light heavyweight opener to the main card.
The event will also feature exciting preliminary fights, including:
* Paul Craig (17-7-1) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-1) in a light heavyweight bout.
* Michael Chiesa (18-7) vs. Court McGee (23-12) in a welterweight contest.
* Cody Durden (16-4-1) vs. Jose Ochoa (1-1) in the flyweight division.
* Phil Rowe (10-4) vs. Ange Loosa (10-3) in a battle of welterweights.
* Malcolm Wellmaker (7-1) vs. Kris Moutinho (13-6) in a bantamweight bout.
* Vanessa Demopoulos (11-7) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (6-6) in the strawweight division.
This marks the UFC’s first visit to Atlanta since UFC 236 in 2019, which featured Dustin Poirier’s interim lightweight title win over Max Holloway and Israel Adesanya’s interim middleweight title victory over Kelvin Gastelum. With a mix of established stars and rising contenders, UFC Atlanta promises an unforgettable night of fights.
Prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ESPN+.