Overview

• At the UFC Atlanta weigh-ins, Joaquin Buckley taunted Kamaru Usman, predicting a knockout victory hours before their welterweight showdown.
• Chael Sonnen highlighted Usman’s emotional conflict over facing a fighter who cites him as inspiration and warned it could blunt his aggression.
• Sean Brady forecasts a competitive fight but favors Buckley to win by decision, citing his youth, power and takedown defense.
• Buckley, now 6–0 at welterweight, calls Usman the toughest opponent of his career and believes a win will secure him the No. 1 contender spot.
• Usman returns after a 19-month hiatus and three consecutive losses, relying on his elite grappling and experience to revive his championship trajectory.