Another weekend, another UFC card in the books. UFC Atlanta kicked off with fireworks—most notably, Malcolm Wellmaker’s stunning one-punch knockout of Kris Moutinho. While the momentum slowed in the later stages with a decision-heavy main card, the headliner delivered 25 minutes of high-level action. Former champion Kamaru Usman reminded fans why he was once the king at 170 pounds. With a dominant win over Joaquin Buckley, the question now becomes: what’s next for both men?
Kamaru Usman: Back in the Title Picture
Saturday’s fight was a must-win for Usman. Entering the bout on a three-fight losing streak and winless since 2021, doubts swirled around the former champ’s longevity and the health of his knees. Against a younger, surging Buckley, those concerns were justified.
But Usman silenced critics with a vintage performance, using his trademark chain wrestling to control the first four rounds. Despite a spirited fifth-round surge from Buckley, Usman weathered the storm and cruised to a clear unanimous decision. The victory reasserts his place among the division’s elite and positions him firmly in the title conversation.
Next Fight: #1 Belal Muhammad vs. #5 Kamaru Usman
This is the matchup to make. With Michael Morales likely next for Leon Edwards and Ian Garry vs. Sean Brady shaping up as a title eliminator, Usman vs. Muhammad fits perfectly into the title picture.
There’s also genuine bad blood between the two. Muhammad’s now-deleted appearance on Usman and Henry Cejudo’s podcast reportedly ended in an off-camera altercation. While details remain vague, both fighters have hinted at tension, which could translate into a compelling grudge match.
For Usman, it’s a path back to the belt. For Muhammad, it’s a high-profile opportunity to finally stake his claim as a true contender. Competitive stakes plus personal history? This one sells itself.
Joaquin Buckley: A Setback, Not a Collapse
Buckley suffered his first loss in the welterweight division, and while he was outwrestled early, he showed heart and resilience in the final round. His inability to stop takedowns was the key difference, but there’s still plenty to like in Buckley’s evolving game. He remains one of the most exciting fighters at 170.
A bounce-back win is now essential to keep his momentum alive.
Next Fight: #7 Joaquin Buckley vs. #13 Carlos Prates
At first glance, a bout with Carlos Prates might seem like a step backwards—especially since Prates is coming off a loss. But stylistically and from a fan-engagement standpoint, it makes sense.
Buckley thrives in the spotlight, and Prates has quietly become a fan favourite with his knockout-heavy style. After struggling with Usman’s wrestling, a striker like Prates could allow Buckley to showcase his explosive offence and rebuild confidence. High risk? Definitely. But high reward and guaranteed action provide great incentive for Buckley.
Put this on a pay-per-view main card, and you’ve got fireworks.
Final Thoughts
UFC Atlanta brought a night of mixed energy, but the main event reaffirmed Kamaru Usman’s status as one of the sport’s elite. A grudge match with Belal Muhammad could be the stepping stone he needs to reclaim UFC gold. Meanwhile, Joaquin Buckley, though momentarily derailed, is far from finished. A matchup with Carlos Prates offers a thrilling chance to reignite his rise in the stacked welterweight division.
In the UFC, one fight can change everything—and after Atlanta, both Usman and Buckley find themselves at critical crossroads in their careers.
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