Early UFC Atlanta Odds & Predictions: Buckley vs Usman Picks

• UFC Atlanta goes down Saturday, June 14th at State Farm Arena
• Joaquin Buckley faces former champion Kamaru Usman in the main event
• Check out the early UFC Atlanta odds and predictions below

The UFC returns to Atlanta for a huge welterweight clash between former champion Kamaru Usman and surging contender Joaquin Buckley. Saturday’s Fight Night at State Farm Arena features a loaded 13-fight card, with “New Mansa” Buckley looking to continue his legendary run at 170 pounds against the former pound-for-pound king.

Rose Namajunas faces Miranda Maverick in the co-main event, while top prospects Malcolm Wellmaker and Mansur Abdul-Malik showcase their skills on the prelims.

Get your bets locked in on ESPN+ with the early prelims starting at 7 pm ET. Here are the early UFC Atlanta odds and my predictions.

UFC Atlanta Odds

The early UFC Atlanta odds have Joaquin Buckley as a -258 favorite to defeat former champion Kamaru Usman, who comes back at +210 in the five-round main event.

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Odds as of June 10th, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Lock in a DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for all your UFC betting needs.

Buckley vs Usman Prediction

Father Time remains undefeated, and Kamaru Usman might be his latest victim. The 38-year-old former champion hasn’t fought in 18 months and is riding a three-fight losing streak. Word on the street is his knees are so shot that he walks down stairs backwards. Not exactly the mobility you need against a young lion like Buckley.

Joaquin Buckley has been on an absolute tear since dropping to welterweight, racking up six straight wins, including knockouts over Colby Covington, Vicente Luque, and Stephen Thompson. At 31, he’s hitting his athletic prime while Usman is clearly on the downside. The speed differential alone could be jarring for the former champ.

Usman’s wrestling used to be his ace in the hole, but those explosive takedown entries are a thing of the past. Buckley sports a 73% takedown defense and has serious power in his sprawl. More importantly, he’s got that killer instinct that Usman seems to have lost after getting head-kicked into the shadow realm by Leon Edwards.

This is a passing of the torch fight if I’ve ever seen one. Buckley is too fast, too powerful, and too hungry. Look for him to hurt Usman early and finish him inside three rounds. The moneyline is playable, but I love Buckley by KO/TKO at -150 odds on FanDuel.

• Buckley vs Usman Pick: Joaquin Buckley wins by KO/TKO (-150 at FanDuel)

Namajunas vs Maverick Prediction

The oddsmakers are sleeping on Miranda Maverick, and smart money is already moving her line. Rose Namajunas is a legend at strawweight, but she’s just 2-2 since moving up to flyweight, with her wins coming against natural 115-pounders and losses to legitimate 125ers.

Maverick brings a four-fight win streak, a five-year age advantage, and most importantly, a wrestling-heavy approach that has given Rose problems at the higher weight class. The size and strength difference will be noticeable when these two lock up.

Rose wants to keep this at kicking range and pick Maverick apart, but that’s easier said than done against a wrestler of Maverick’s caliber. If this hits the mat, Rose will have a hard time getting back up. Maverick’s relentless pace and physicality should wear on the former champ as the fight goes on.

At +210 or better, Maverick presents outstanding value. She’s the younger, hungrier fighter competing at her natural weight class. Don’t be surprised if this line continues to move throughout the week.

• Namajunas vs Maverick Pick: Miranda Maverick ML (+210 at DraftKings)

Other UFC Atlanta Main Card Predictions

Andre Petroski vs Edmen Shahbazyan

Petroski is live at +154 against a Shahbazyan who’s struggled badly against grapplers. The former D1 wrestler and BJJ black belt should be able to exploit Edmen’s ground game deficiencies.

• Pick: Petroski ML (+154 at DK)

Paul Craig vs Rodolfo Bellato:

Bellato gasses after six minutes, and Craig is a submission wizard with a win over the current champ. If this gets past the first round, Craig’s grappling takes over. Watch for Craig by submission props when they’re released at your book.

• Pick: Craig by submission (wait for odds)

Raoni Barcelos vs Cody Garbrandt:

Barcelos lands at a much higher pace and has serious credentials on the ground. Garbrandt’s chin is compromised, and his fight IQ remains questionable.

• Pick: Barcelos by decision (wait for odds)

UFC Atlanta Prelim Best Bet: Malcolm Wellmaker Round 1 KO

At -1450, Malcolm Wellmaker has one of the most lopsided lines in UFC history. The undefeated prospect is special, combining knockout power, elite timing, and maturity beyond his years.

Chris Moutinho is tough but limited, and Wellmaker’s team expects him to outdo even Sean O’Malley’s performance against the same opponent. When the Round 1 KO prop opens, hammer it.