UFC on ESPN 69: Former Champs, Rising Stars, and Must-See Matchups Headline Atlanta Card

After a massive weekend in New Jersey with UFC 316, the Octagon heads south to Atlanta, Georgia, for another action-packed evening of fights. UFC on ESPN 69 takes place this Saturday night at State Farm Arena, showcasing a main card loaded with high-stakes matchups—including appearances by three former champions.

Here’s a breakdown of the top bouts fans can look forward to:

Welterweight Showdown: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley

Former 170-pound king Kamaru Usman (20-4) steps back into the cage for the first time since fall 2023, hoping to halt a three-fight losing streak. The 37-year-old veteran hasn’t won since 2021, and questions surround whether “The Nigerian Nightmare” can reclaim his elite form.

Standing in his way is rising star Joaquin Buckley (21-6), who has been on fire since moving down to welterweight. “New Mansa” has gone undefeated in six bouts at 170 pounds, including impressive stoppages of Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Colby Covington. A win over Usman would be the biggest of Buckley’s career—and could push him into title contention.

Flyweight Co-Main: Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick

Two-time strawweight champ Rose Namajunas (13-7) continues her quest for success at flyweight as she takes on up-and-coming contender Miranda Maverick (15-5) in the co-main event. Namajunas has had mixed results since jumping up to 125 pounds, going 2-2 since 2022 and most recently dropping a five-round decision.

Maverick, ranked No. 11 in the division, rides a four-fight winning streak but faces her toughest test yet in Namajunas, who remains one of the most seasoned and dangerous fighters in the division. With both women seeking to climb into title conversations, this matchup has major implications.

Middleweight Clash: Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski

Looking to build momentum after a highlight-reel finish in February, Edmen Shahbazyan (14-5) takes on gritty middleweight Andre Petroski (13-3) in a matchup that could push the winner into the top 15 conversation.

Shahbazyan, once one of the UFC’s hottest prospects, started his career 11-0 but has experienced growing pains in recent years. Now training with Xtreme Couture, he hopes a more mature version of “The Golden Boy” can emerge against a surging Petroski, who’s won three straight and brings a relentless wrestling-heavy style.

Bantamweight Battle: Cody Garbrandt vs. Raoni Barcelos

Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt (14-6) returns to the Octagon after being submitted by Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 300. Before that loss, “No Love” had notched consecutive wins for the first time in nearly seven years.

He now faces seasoned Brazilian striker Raoni Barcelos (19-5), who recently spoiled the hype surrounding up-and-comer Payton Talbott. This could be a crossroads fight for Garbrandt, who’s seeking to stay relevant in a stacked bantamweight division.

Prospect Watch: Cody Brundage vs. Mansur Abdul-Malik

Middleweight Cody Brundage (11-6) finds himself in another high-profile test against an undefeated rising prospect—this time, Russian-born Mansur Abdul-Malik (8-0), who has quickly turned heads since earning his UFC contract last year.

Abdul-Malik has delivered back-to-back finishes in his first two UFC appearances, showcasing both power and grappling skill. Brundage, who went the distance with Bo Nickal at UFC 300, will need to draw on his experience to slow down one of the division’s most promising new faces.

Paul Browne

Paul Browne is a professional mixed martial arts commentator, feature writer and podcaster based in Dublin, Ireland.