Best UFC Fight Night Bets: Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley will be the main event at UFC Fight Night this June 14. Yes, the Men's Welterweight fight could be nice prelude to the pay-per-view we see in about two weeks time. Usman vs Buckley best bets expects to highlight a bout of fireworks which may end suddenly.

Who will win as the UFC heads down to Georgia? What excitement waits for us at the home of "The Rock"? Let’s find out! But first, here is some needed information.

• What: UFC Fight Night Down South
• When: Saturday, June 14, 2025
• Start Time: 6pm EDT (early prelims), 8 p.m. EDT (preliminary bouts), 10 p.m. EDT (main card)
• Where: Atlanta, Georgia
• Venue: State Farm Arena
• Where to Watch: ESPN+ for Prelims at 7pm, 10pm (ESPN/ESPN+) for main card
• Main Event: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley

Usman vs Buckley Feels Like A Swan Song Main

This almost feels like a swan song main event. Honestly, Usman vs Buckley carries that vibe for this Saturday night. While it is the main event, Kamaru Usman is now 38 and the Nigerian-American carries a record of 20-4. The former Welterweight champion tries for one last shot at glory. He defended his title five times before losing to Leon Edwards twice. His last fight was a decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October of 2023 at UFC 294.

The thing is Usman is not a Middleweight but at this stage what kind of Welterweight is he? He held his own against Chimaev but the short notice did not help. When it comes to a long lay-off, this is about as long as they come. One has to wonder what kind of shape he is in. Training videos paint Usman in a favorable light but octagon action is different than sparring/training. Now, that is where the unknown lies.

His opponent is Joaquin Buckley. Buckley is 31 and is 21-6 with a six match winning streak. Yes, the American UFC fighter is almost a five-year veteran on the UFC scene. Now, he got knocked out in his debut by Kevin Holland but that was in August of 2020. Since the start of 2023, Buckley rededicated himself to the craft and got on quite a roll. Buckley recently battered Colby Covington for a TKO by doctor stoppage in December of last year.

Buckley's biggest win probably was Covington but defeating Usman even at this stage would trump that. The American has championship caliber punching power with 15 knockouts. Can he deliver a convincing performance and move up into the upper echelon of the Welterweight Division?

UFC Fight Night Main: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Betting Lines

This UFC Fight Night main clash marks the end of an intriguing night in Georgia. The online UFC betting odds favor the younger UFC fighter here. Also, early numbers swung further into the favor of Buckley. Here again are those numbers to examine for yourself:

Be aware and mindful when it comes to the UFC Fight Night 69 betting odds right up until you actually make that bet. Our UFC 316 online betting odds are accurate entering Thursday, June 12. This gives the best online UFC betting sites time to move numbers ahead of this Fight Night on Saturday, June 14th.

For this fight, specifically, watch for some midweek props. With mere days until the matchup, the major lines typically do not shift significantly. Again, there are those round props. The UFC Fight Night betting lines may start trending to an outcome that does not go the distance.

Can Joaquin Buckley Make It Seven?

Can Joaquin Buckley make it seven? Could a knockout happen on Saturday night? It may prove more likely than a decision at this point. Since the fighter has rebounded in the welterweight division, decisions have only come in two of his last seven fights. Buckley possesses three KO/TKO's by punches during his streak. Now, he knows his limitations and also understands he must adjust against the cagey veteran that is Usman. What else is there in the Usman vs Buckley best bets?

This is a rare case where reach and leg reach are similar. Buckley's power has improved over the past 18-24 months. His defense has gotten better but maybe not at the level he wants it to be. Anyway, he averages 4.22 significant strikes per minute but it is that Southpaw stance which gives fighters tons of trouble. The Missouri native from St. Louis has a wrestling background but can switch stances at a moment's notice.

Bluntly, the rationale is that Buckley is just the better MMA fighter at this point. Activity bears some fruit here and the idea this fight goes the distance feels unlikely unless Usman really got in excellent shape for this bout (like 2019-2021 level). Buckley should get the win here against Usman on Saturday night.

Can Kamaru Usman Shock The World Once More?

Usman vs Buckley bets ask THE question. Can Kamaru Usman shock the world once more? Usman is a former world champion and one of the best UFC had. However, Father Time is undefeated and no one truly knows what is left in that tank. We have seen this recently in several such fights where the younger opponent eventually gets the upper hand. One does not want to doubt Usman but a nearly 20-month layoff is daunting.     

Can Usman still catch Buckley off guard? That is the key to this fight. If he can, Usman stands a chance of stunning the younger fighter on Saturday night. A decision is likely in that case.

UFC Fight Night Wager For Usman vs. Buckley

Here are odds from the best online UFC betting apps. Usman vs. Buckley bets looks at one more.

Go for that Buckley TKO/KO. That is closer to even than most Buckley wagers and Under 4.5 Rounds (-125 via Bovada).

Check the prime online sportsbooks and find one that works for you.