Overview

• Joaquin Buckley carries a six-fight winning streak since moving to welterweight, including knockouts of Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington.
• Kamaru Usman returns to the octagon for the first time since October 2023 as he aims to snap a three-fight skid and reestablish his grip on the welterweight scene.
• Francis Ngannou joined Usman’s corner at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in and boxing champion Claressa Shields publicly signaled her support for the former titleholder.
• Sean Brady predicts Buckley will edge a competitive decision while Michael Bisping favors the younger fighter’s speed and aggression to outpace Usman.
• Chael Sonnen highlighted a mental hurdle for Usman in facing someone he inspired and Stephen Thompson warned that Buckley’s explosive stand-up and takedown defense pose a serious challenge.