The Calm Before the Chaos: The Week Leading Up to UFC Fight night

Welcome to Fight Week!

We’ve got a fun one lined up this Saturday as the UFC drops another stacked Fight Night card, headlined by a truly intriguing matchup: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley. Yeah, you read that right. The former welterweight champ, Kamaru "The Nigerian Nightmare" Usman, is stepping back into the Octagon not just for any comeback fight, but to face the surging powerhouse that is Joaquin "New Mansa" Buckley. It’s a clash of styles, legacies, and momentum. Let’s break it all down.

Main Event: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley

The Nigerian Nightmare Returns

Usman (20-4) hasn’t fought since his razor thin loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. That short-notice middleweight bout showed us Usman’s durability and elite fight IQ, even while giving up size and prep time. But now, he's back at 170 lbs, and according to his team, more focused than ever. At 37, Usman’s got a lot of miles on his body, but let’s not pretend like he’s washed. His wrestling is still world class, his striking has evolved under Trevor Wittman, and he’s only lost to the very best: Leon Edwards (twice) and Chimaev in a very close decision.

This fight is about proving he’s still a contender or maybe even eyeing one last title run.

The Rise of Buckley

On the flip side, Buckley (19-6) has been on an absolute tear. Since dropping to welterweight, he’s looked like a beast. Explosive. Fast. And that cardio? Much improved. He’s coming off back to back wins, including a highlight-reel KO and a gritty decision over a ranked opponent. The man is finally putting it all together.

His power is unquestionable. But what’s impressed fans and analysts alike is how much more disciplined he’s become. Less wild looping shots, more calculated pressure and well-timed counters. And if you're thinking Usman might ragdoll him on the ground, Buckley’s takedown defence has quietly become one of his biggest assets.