UFC and PFL Headline This week’s MMA Action: Usman Returns, Pinedo–Braga Trilogy
Table of Contents
- 1. UFC and PFL Headline This week’s MMA Action: Usman Returns, Pinedo-Braga Trilogy
- 2. UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley
- 3. Welterweight Showdown: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley
- 4. Expert Predictions
- 5. Co-Main Event: Namajunas vs. Maverick
- 6. PFL Semifinals: Pinedo vs.Braga III
- 7. Featherweight Trilogy: Jesus Pinedo vs. Gabriel Braga
- 8. Storley vs. Kikuiri
- 9. Khaybulaev vs. kim
- 10. The Road Ahead
- 11. Evergreen Insights
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions
- 13. What are the biggest potential upsets for the UFC Atlanta card,and why might they occur?
- 14. UFC Atlanta: Usman vs. Buckley Picks & Predictions: Delivering Knockout Insights
- 15. UFC Atlanta: High-Stakes Action at Stake
- 16. Usman vs. Buckley: A Clash of Styles in Atlanta
- 17. Analyzing Kamaru Usman
- 18. Examining Michael Buckley’s Gameplan
- 19. Expert Picks & Predictions for Usman vs. Buckley
- 20. Understanding the Betting Odds & Finding Value
- 21. Practical tips for UFC Betting
- 22. Where to Watch UFC Atlanta
Mixed Martial Arts fans are in for a treat this week, with a stacked UFC Fight Night card emanating from Atlanta, Georgia and the Professional Fighters League (PFL) showcasing its tournament semifinals. All eyes are on the welterweight and featherweight divisions as contenders battle for supremacy and a chance at a title. Several top-ranked fighters will showcase their skills, promising high-octane action. Let’s dive into the details.
UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) descends upon Atlanta this Saturday with a card highlighted by the return of former welterweight kingpin, Kamaru Usman.The event kicks off with prelims at 7 P.M. ET, followed by the main card at 10 P.M. ET, both airing on ESPN/ESPN+.

Welterweight Showdown: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley
Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman (20-4), ranked among ESPN’s top 10 welterweights, makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon after an 18-month hiatus. Standing opposite him is Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley (21-6), riding a six-fight win streak, including four finishes. Buckley, 31, is looking to continue his ascent in the division.
Two retired fighters, Din Thomas and Anthony Smith, weighed in on the Usman versus Buckley match. Smith believes Usman’s experience and fight IQ will be the deciding factors. Thomas, however, anticipates Buckley’s movement and striking will prove too much for Usman.
Expert Predictions
Here’s a summary of the expert picks for the Usman vs. Buckley main event:
| Expert | Pick | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith (Retired Fighter) | Usman | Decision |
| Din Thomas (Retired Fighter) | Buckley | Decision |
According to ESPN betting expert Ian Parker, Buckley is favored to win (-280). Parker suggests Buckley could emulate the success of fighters like Jack Della Maddalena. Check ESPN Bet for the most up-to-date UFC fight night odds.
Pro Tip: Always compare odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the best value for your bets.
Co-Main Event: Namajunas vs. Maverick
Adding further intrigue to the card, former UFC champion Rose Namajunas (14-7) squares off against Miranda Maverick (17-5) in the co-main event. Maverick enters the contest riding a four-fight win streak of her own, making this a pivotal clash in the women’s strawweight division.
PFL Semifinals: Pinedo vs.Braga III
The PFL World Tournament continues this Thursday, also broadcasting on ESPN/ESPN+, with prelims starting at 7 P.M. ET and the main card at 10 P.M. ET.Semifinal matchups in the welterweight and featherweight divisions promise fireworks as fighters vie for a spot in the finals and a shot at $500,000.
Featherweight Trilogy: Jesus Pinedo vs. Gabriel Braga
Jesus Pinedo (24-6-1), the reigning 2023 PFL featherweight champion, will face Gabriel Braga (16-2) for the third time. Pinedo previously defeated Braga for the title after Braga had defeated Pinedo in the regular season. This trilogy fight is high-stakes, with a place in the 2025 finals on the line.
Pinedo is currently favored to win at -275. His controlled aggression and knockout power make him a risky opponent. Braga’s technical striking and jiu-jitsu skills could pose a threat if he can take the fight to the ground.
Storley vs. Kikuiri
Logan Storley (15-3) is heavily favored at -1000 against Masayuki Kikuiri (8-1-1). Storley aims to dominate and secure a finish to make a statement heading into the finals.
Khaybulaev vs. kim
Movlid Khaybulaev (21-0-1) is favored (-225) against Tae Kyun Kim (9-3). Despite Kim’s recent submission win, experts believe Khaybulaev’s dominant wrestling will control the fight.
The Road Ahead
This week’s UFC and PFL events offer a compelling mix of established stars and rising talent. Will veterans like Usman reassert their dominance, or will the new breed of fighters like buckley seize the spotlight? How will the results of the PFL semifinals shape the landscape of the welterweight and featherweight divisions? These questions will be answered as the action unfolds.
Evergreen Insights
The dynamics within MMA are ever-changing, influenced by evolving training techniques, strategic approaches, and the continuous emergence of new talent. This evolution impacts betting strategies,fighter preparations,and fan expectations. In 2024,expect to see renewed emphasis on grappling and ground control,as fighters adapt to counter the striking-heavy meta. Additionally,look for innovations in weight-cutting methodologies aimed at maximizing performance while minimizing health risks.
As the sport matures, data analytics play an increasingly vital role. Advanced metrics, such as strike accuracy, takedown defense rates, and submission attempts, provide deeper insights into fighter performance, enabling more informed predictions and strategic matchmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is fighting in the main event at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta?
The main event features former UFC champion Kamaru Usman against the rising star Joaquin Buckley in a welterweight showdown. - What is the main event for the PFL Semifinals?
Jesus Pinedo will battle Gabriel Braga in a featherweight trilogy fight during the PFL Semifinals. - Where can I watch the UFC Fight Night and PFL Semifinals?
Both events will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+. - What are the experts predicting for the Usman vs Buckley fight?
Predictions are split, with Anthony smith favoring Usman by decision and Din Thomas predicting Buckley will win by decision. - What are the odds for Joaquin Buckley to win against Kamaru Usman?
The odds accurate as of June 12, favor Buckley to win at -280. Always check ESPN Bet for updated UFC Fight Night odds. - Why is the Pinedo vs Braga fight significant?
This is the rubber match in their trilogy, with the winner advancing to the 2025 PFL finals and a shot at $500,000. - What is the potential impact of these fights on the welterweight division?
Joaquin Buckley is seen as a rising star who could follow in the footsteps of fighters like Jack della Maddalena, potentially shaking up the welterweight rankings.
What are your predictions for these exciting MMA events? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below!
What are the biggest potential upsets for the UFC Atlanta card,and why might they occur?
UFC Atlanta: Usman vs. Buckley Picks & Predictions: Delivering Knockout Insights
UFC Atlanta: High-Stakes Action at Stake
The Octagon returns to atlanta, promising a night of explosive mixed martial arts action. Fight fans are eagerly awaiting matchups to deliver astonishing fights and generate thrilling upsets. This showdown is crucial to the careers of rising stars and established veterans alike in the very competitive landscape that UFC provides. This article dives deep into the main event,providing you with expert UFC Atlanta predictions and analysis.
Usman vs. Buckley: A Clash of Styles in Atlanta
The main event features a compelling matchup between [Fighter 1: Usman] and [Fighter 2: Buckley].This fight brings together two exceptionally talented fighters, each with a unique skillset that could determine the outcome of the contest. Understanding the fighters’ strengths and weaknesses is vital for formulating informed UFC fight predictions.
Analyzing Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman, known for his wrestling prowess and relentless pressure, the current champion is a force to be reckoned with. His power, reach, and ability to control the fight on the ground make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the welterweight division. Usman has a proven track record with a very good record to stand behind his name, providing an advantage in most fights. A huge factor is also his striking abilities and his endurance.
Examining Michael Buckley’s Gameplan
Conversely, Michael Buckley, a rising star, brings a diverse skill set to the octagon. Known for his dynamic striking and developing ground game, Buckley is very dangerous. Buckley’s ability to finish fights is high up at his strengths and provides a very dangerous component to face.
| Fighter | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Kamaru Usman | Wrestling, Conditioning, Power | Susceptibility to Submission |
| Michael Buckley | Striking, Finishing Ability, Speed | Experience, Defensive Wrestling |
Expert Picks & Predictions for Usman vs. Buckley
Based on expert analysis,a variety of factors come into play. The deciding factor is:
- Fight Outcome prediction: The majority of experts are leaning towards [Insert predicted Fighter Name] victory. The predicted outcome is based on analyzing their previous matches and their techniques used in their fights.
- Takedown Defense: If Buckley can effectively stop takedowns, he has a very high chance of winning.
- Stamina: Usman’s cardio and ability to keep the pace will be a major factor, especially in the later rounds. if Usman wins in the late rounds it will be a decisive win.
Understanding the Betting Odds & Finding Value
To make well-informed bets, it’s essential to understand the betting odds for UFC Atlanta. the odds can vary, which is a crucial thing to keep in mind. Understanding the odds and the implied probabilities can help you determine which bets offer the best value.
Here’s a basic guide:
- Look into the different bets, such as moneyline, total rounds bets, and method of victory.
- Carefully consider implied probabilities and the potential returns.
Practical tips for UFC Betting
To enhance your UFC betting experience, here are some essential tips:
- Research: Perform thorough research on the fighters, including their recent fights, training camps, and any injuries.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses by not betting more than you can afford to lose.
- Shop Around: Compare odds from different sportsbooks to ensure you get the best value. Learn about bonuses and promotions.
- Stay Disciplined: Don’t let emotions drive your bets. Stick to your strategy and avoid impulsive decisions.
Where to Watch UFC Atlanta
The event [UFC event name] will be broadcasted live on [TV Channel] and the exact time for the event. If you are unable to go to the arena to watch the event, then on those specific channels will be the time and days to watch the event.