Buckley vs. Usman Set for War — Who Has the Edge?
With the UFC Welterweight Championship set to be defended next month at UFC 315 in Montreal, the top contenders in the division are keeping a close eye on who might be next in line. With the title picture heating up, several big names are being paired off to narrow the field — and one of the most intriguing matchups is now set between former champion Kamaru Usman and surging contender Joaquin Buckley. The two will headline the UFC Fight Night card in Atlanta, pitting one of the division’s best against a rising star on a serious win streak. The big question: who has the edge? In this article, we break it down.
Kamaru Usman
The former long-reigning welterweight king, Kamaru Usman returns to the octagon after a lengthy layoff. His last outing was a hard-fought decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at Middleweight, and now at 38 years old, fans wonder if Usman still has enough left for one final run at UFC gold. Ranked number four in the Welterweight Division, Usman may only need a win or two to earn another title shot. Known for his grappling-heavy style and elite fight IQ, he’s built a career on relentless pressure, control in the clinch, and wrestling dominance. Over the years, he’s also developed solid striking — not a high-volume striker, but one with genuine knockout power and underrated defensive skills. For Usman to win this fight, he needs to lean on his experience and size advantage. Controlling distance with his long reach and sharp kicks, while keeping Buckley guessing with level changes and clinch work against the fence, will be key. He can’t afford to let Buckley pressure him or get comfortable in striking range. Look for Usman to mix things up early and work toward grinding out rounds.
Joaquin Buckley
Joaquin Buckley enters this fight as one of the hottest names in the division. After a 5-4 run at Middleweight, where he struggled with size disadvantages, Buckley moved down to Welterweight — and hasn’t looked back. He’s currently riding a six-fight win streak and has turned himself into a legitimate contender. Like Usman, Buckley isn’t a submission specialist, but he’s a well-rounded fighter with explosive power. His bread and butter is in the standup game, where he brings crisp kickboxing, heavy hands, and knockout potential. Buckley has a long wingspan for the division and uses it well, consistently landing damage and often hunting for finishes. To beat Usman, Buckley needs to stay aggressive, push the pace, and control the striking exchanges. He’ll need to stay busy with combinations and pressure to prevent Usman from settling into a clinch-heavy fight. If Buckley can land early and force Usman onto the back foot, his chances of scoring a finish — or a clear decision win — skyrocket.
Conclusion
This matchup has all the makings of a thrilling main event. It’s a classic case of two fighters at very different points in their careers but chasing the same prize: a shot at the Welterweight title. With UFC 315’s title fight looming, both men have a chance to position themselves as the next contender. Will the veteran Usman prove he still belongs among the elite, or will Buckley’s momentum carry him one step closer to UFC gold? One thing’s for sure — fans should expect fireworks when these two collide in Atlanta.
