Overview

• Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman seeks to halt his slide after three consecutive defeats and an absence dating back to his October 2023 loss to Khamzat Chimaev.
• Joaquin Buckley arrives on a six-fight win streak at welterweight, highlighted by knockout wins over Colby Covington and Stephen Thompson.
• Francis Ngannou made a surprise appearance at the ceremonial weigh-ins, marking his first UFC event since departure and fueling talk of a future clash with Jon Jones.
• Three-division boxing champion Claressa Shields joined the weigh-ins in support of Usman’s comeback bid.
• Analysts are split: Sean Brady predicts a Buckley decision, Stephen Thompson warns Usman could struggle with Buckley’s striking, and Chael Sonnen highlights Usman’s emotional challenge against an admirer turned rival.