While fans were excited for UFC 316, the card for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night may be a better show for MMA fans. A wily veteran who was considered the best pound-for-pound fighter of his generation returns to the octagon for the first time in nearly two years as Kamaru Usman squares off against Joaquin Buckley in the main event.
Beyond that matchup, fans will have multiple other main card fights that are enticing. What should bettors expect from UFC Fight Night this week? We’ll cover that with our top three bets for Saturday’s card.
Oddsmakers have deemed Saturday’s Middleweight division fight between Shahbazyn and Petroski as the closest call for UFC Fight Night. Shahbazyan goes all out as The Golden Boy has had nine of his last 11 MMA fights end in either a KO/TKO or submission. He’ll enter the fight with a two-inch reach and height advantage over his opponent on Saturday.
That’s not to discount Petroski, however. The 34-year-old has won three straight decisions, and he’s been victorious in eight of his 10 UFC fights thus far. He’s the underdog against his 27-year-old opponent, but savvy bettors will expect him to pull the upset on Saturday.
Another contender to headline this card is Rose Namajuna’s first matchup since November 2024. Namajuna lost her last fight to Erin Blanchfield, and she’s won only two bouts since 2021. The 32-year-old is a 10-year veteran of the sport, and her experience could be crucial for this matchup on Saturday.
That’s especially true because Miranda Maverick is nearing her prime in the sport. She’s won six of her last seven bouts, all by unanimous decision. Her only loss during the last three years came in June 2023 against Jasmine Jasudavicius, who is ranked among the top fighters in the women’s Flyweight division.
A year ago, there’s no doubt that the odds for this matchup would have been significantly different. But after a 20-month layoff, Usman is a wild card in this matchup. The Nigerian Nightmare turned 38 years old, and he’s coming off three straight losses.
His opponent – Joaquin Buckley – is on a six-fight win streak that dates back two years. While this is the first time he’ll headline a card, there’s little doubt after this fight that it will be his last time.