The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Atlanta on June 14 for a stacked event at State Farm Arena. UFC Fight Night Atlanta promises to reignite the Southern fight scene with two of Missouri’s own — Joaquin Buckley and Miranda Maverick — taking center stage in the main and co-main events.
These two representatives of the Show-Me State carry the torch for a region that has consistently produced elite talent. With former UFC champions and top contenders on the card, this MMA summer showdown is set to be a major event for both Atlanta and Missouri fight fans.
UFC Returns to Atlanta After Six Years
UFC Fight Night Atlanta marks the organization’s first return to the city since 2019, when UFC 236 lit up State Farm Arena with legendary performances. That night, Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway went to war for the interim Lightweight title in a bout that earned Fight of the Year honors. On the same card, Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum battled for the interim Middleweight belt in one of the most thrilling five-round wars in UFC history.
Before that, UFC 201 in July 2016 saw Ferguson, Missouri’s Tyron Woodley deliver one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC title history when he flattened Robbie Lawler to capture the Welterweight championship. Now, nearly a decade later, Missouri fighters again take the spotlight as UFC returns to Atlanta with a card rich in narrative, action, and talent.
Joaquin Buckley Headlines the Card
St. Louis native Joaquin Buckley enters UFC Fight Night Atlanta as the headliner, a testament to his hard-earned rise in the UFC. Buckley first burst onto the global MMA scene with a jaw-dropping spinning back kick knockout that went viral across sports media platforms. That moment wasn’t just a highlight—it was the spark that launched Buckley into stardom.
Known for his aggressive striking, knockout power, and tenacity, Buckley has evolved into a top contender in his division. Now leading a major UFC card, he carries both the pride of Missouri and the pressure of delivering under the spotlight. With names like Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards floated as potential opponents, the main event is poised to be explosive.
Miranda Maverick in the Co-Main Event
Miranda Maverick, also hailing from Missouri, has steadily built her name in the UFC women’s flyweight division. Set to face former champion Rose Namajunas in the co-main event, Maverick finds herself in the biggest fight of her career to date. Namajunas, a former strawweight and flyweight titleholder, brings high-level experience and technical striking, making this a true test of Maverick’s elite potential.
Originally from Missouri, Maverick’s roots trace back to regional circuits where she showcased her strong wrestling and developing striking. Her story is one of grit, patience, and consistent progression through one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC. A win here doesn’t just elevate her—it plants Missouri’s flag deep into the UFC’s women’s division.
Missouri’s Legacy of UFC Greatness
Tyron Woodley remains one of Missouri’s most celebrated MMA exports. A native of Ferguson, Woodley captured UFC gold in 2016 and defended the Welterweight championship multiple times. Known for his explosive power, elite wrestling pedigree, and tactical fight IQ, Woodley paved the way for the next generation of Missouri fighters like Buckley and Maverick.
High Ridge native Michael Chandler followed a parallel path. A former Bellator Lightweight Champion, Chandler made a high-profile entry into the UFC with a first-round knockout of Dan Hooker and has since fought some of the division’s best. His intense fighting style and relentless pressure mirror the ethos of Missouri athletes — unrelenting and fearless.
Missouri’s Deep MMA Talent Pool
Beyond Buckley, Maverick, Woodley, and Chandler, Missouri’s MMA talent pool runs deep. Michael Johnson, a veteran UFC lightweight from St. Louis, is known for his elite speed, precise striking, and victories over top names. His experience across generations of the UFC roster makes him one of Missouri’s most accomplished fighters.
Kansas City’s Julian Marquez has also carved his place in the Middleweight division. Known for his finishing ability and strong grappling, Marquez continues to represent Missouri with every walk to the Octagon. These athletes form the foundation of a true fighting state, one that breeds champions and contenders year after year.
UFC Atlanta Full Card Breakdown
While Buckley and Maverick headline, UFC Atlanta features a card stacked with competitive matchups. Alonzo Menifield will battle Oumar Sy in a light heavyweight showdown, promising heavy leather and highlight finishes. Tereza Bleda faces Jamey-Lyn Horth in what could shape the future of the women’s flyweight rankings.
Edmen Shahbazyan squares off with Andre Petroski in a clash of middleweight prospects trying to regain momentum. Cody Durden and Jose Ochoa open the card with a flyweight scrap guaranteed to set the tone for the evening. Missouri sportsbooks are sure to see a lot of action on this card, so make sure to take advantage of the best promos being offered.
Buckley’s Viral Kick Changed His Career
Joaquin Buckley’s life changed the moment he landed his viral spinning back kick knockout on Impa Kasanganay. The finish wasn’t just spectacular — it made global news, received UFC Performance of the Night honors, and permanently etched his name into the MMA highlight reel.
That moment showcased Buckley’s creativity, athleticism, and composure under pressure. Since then, he’s continued to evolve, stacking wins, sharpening his tools, and proving that he’s more than just a viral moment. Headlining UFC Atlanta is both a reward and another step in his championship pursuit.
Miranda Maverick’s Rise Through Adversity
Miranda Maverick’s journey to UFC relevance wasn’t overnight. She faced tough matchups, including losses that tested her resolve. But through every setback, Maverick doubled down — refining her wrestling, improving her striking, and adding layers to her game.
Her clash with Namajunas is not just a co-main event opportunity — it’s the proving ground for a future title run. With her Missouri roots as her foundation, Maverick enters this fight representing her state’s toughness, work ethic, and hunger to ascend the division’s ladder.
The Impact of UFC 201 Still Echoes
Tyron Woodley’s knockout of Robbie Lawler at UFC 201 was a seismic moment in UFC history. Coming into the bout as an underdog, Woodley’s right hand sent Lawler crashing to the canvas, ushering in a new era for the Welterweight division. It wasn’t just a title win — it was a career-defining performance on a major card in Atlanta.
That win marked Missouri’s presence on the sport’s biggest stages and inspired a new generation of fighters from the state. Now, nearly ten years later, that legacy continues as Buckley and Maverick look to make their mark in the same city.
Former UFC Champions Add Star Power
Atlanta fans are in for a treat beyond the Missouri storylines. With former champions like Rose Namajunas and potentially others being added to the card, UFC Atlanta has the pedigree to attract massive attention. These names bring legitimacy, and their presence sets the tone for a card that blends veteran prestige with fresh contenders.
If Buckley and Maverick capitalize on their opportunities, they could be next in line for contender bouts — or even title eliminators. Sharing a card with past champions only adds to the magnitude of what they’re about to do.
Georgia vs. Missouri Vibes in the South
If Roman Dolidze is booked to fight on the card, it sets up a subtle Georgia vs. Missouri dynamic. Fighting in Atlanta with a Georgian fighter on the lineup builds local anticipation. But with Buckley and Maverick representing Missouri in the marquee spots, there’s no denying which state owns the spotlight.
Atlanta fans, long known for their passionate support of combat sports, are expected to pack State Farm Arena and embrace the return of UFC action. Whether they cheer the local heroes or respect the road warriors from Missouri, the environment promises to be electric.
A Show-Me Statement at UFC Atlanta
UFC Fight Night Atlanta isn’t just another card — it’s a defining moment for the Show-Me State. With Buckley and Maverick positioned to lead the event, Missouri’s place in UFC history continues to grow. Add in the legacy of Tyron Woodley, the intensity of Michael Chandler, the experience of Michael Johnson, and the finishing instinct of Julian Marquez, and you have a state that consistently delivers elite fighters.
Atlanta is the stage. Missouri is bringing the stars. And June 14 is shaping up to be a night where the past, present, and future of Missouri MMA come together in the spotlight.
