Pros Pick Kamaru Usman Vs. Joaquin Buckley Winner – ‘By Knockout'

The former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman takes on Joaquin Buckley on June 14, as MMA insiders gave their predictions. 

Usman arrives into the fight, having not been in the Octagon since his UFC 294 loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023. It was Usman’s third loss in a row, as he has not been victorious since his UFC 268 loss in 2021 against Colby Covington. Buckley has won his last six fights, having also beaten Colby Covington in his last fight. The winner takes themselves a step closer to securing a title shot against the welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Here is how MMA insiders saw the fight playing out.

Predictions

"Buckley is on a roll, and I will give it to him. I think he could even KO Usman," Jack Hermansson, UFC Middleweight.

"Joaquin Buckley by knockout," Mario Bautista, UFC Bantamweight.

"Buckley has momentum, but I think the old dog isn’t done. I think Usman wins," Beneil Dariush, UFC Lightweight.

"I do like Usman. But, I am going to have to go with Buckley. It’s a new generation, and the passing of the torch has begun, especially at 170," Terrance McKinney, UFC Lightweight.

"I know Kamaru Usman is on a three-fight skid, but he lost to Leon twice, he was winning one until the head kick, and the other was close, and then he took on Chimaev on short notice. You can’t count him out, but he’s Buckley looks legit and is so hungry. I think it will be a close fight, but I think Buckley gets the win," Michael Chiesa, UFC Welterweight.

"I’m going with Buckley. I think he has it right now. He looks like the real deal and will beat Usman here," Dustin Jacoby, UFC Light Heavyweight.

"I think Joaquin Buckley takes it. He’s younger, faster, and more explosive. I also think the layoff will really hurt Usman," Modestas Bukauskas, UFC Light Heavyweight.

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