The UFC’s trip to Atlanta saw two former champions pick up key victories.
In the main event of UFC on ESPN 69, Kamaru Usman turned back the clock for a dominant display against a surging Joaquin Buckley. Usman (21-4 MMA, 16-3 UFC) survived a final-round surge from Buckley (21-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC) to win an otherwise smothering performance reminiscent of his championship days.
In the co-feature, former women’s strawweight champ Rose Namajunas (14-7 MMA, 12-6 UFC) picked up a unanimous decision win over Miranda Maverick (15-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC).
Both former champions returned to the win column and, as a result, move up spots in their respective divisions in this week’s update.
Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.