After nearly two years away, Kamaru Usman returned to face the surging Joaquin Buckley in Atlanta. The question on many minds: could the 38-year-old former welterweight champion make another run at the title? While Usman showed promise in the final round against Khamzat Chimaev, the fight against Buckley would be a true test of his ambitions.

Following Della Maddalena’s victory over Muhammad, UFC CEO Dana White announced on Instagram Live that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is considering vacating his title to move up and challenge Della maddalena at welterweight.

ian Machado Garry, fresh off a victory over Carlos Prates, served as the backup fighter in Montreal. “The Future” is looking to capitalize on his momentum and move closer to a title shot after a setback against Rakhmonov in late 2024.

Joaquin Buckley entered 2025 as one of the hottest fighters at 170 pounds. With four consecutive wins, including three finishes in 2024, his victory over Colby Covington proved he was ready for the big stage. While he put up a strong fight, it wasn’t enough to overcome Usman. Buckley may now need to defend his top-10 ranking before re-entering the title conversation.

“If his hunger remains, Usman could have a major, statement-making performance in June against the ever-dangerous Buckley.”

Fighter Trajectories and Weight Class Shifts

The landscape of mixed martial arts is ever-evolving, with fighters constantly shifting weight classes and adjusting their training regimens to stay competitive. Understanding these dynamics requires a look at the factors influencing these decisions and their potential impact on the sport.