UFC Atlanta: Full Card Preview

The UFC heads to Atlanta this weekend with a card that mixes established veterans, dangerous finishers, and intriguing newcomers. Several fights line up stylistically for finishes, and many underdogs bring legitimate upset potential. Below is a short breakdown of each fight and our lean heading into the event.

Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth
Demopoulos steps in on late notice and moves up to flyweight, facing a larger, more physically dominant Horth. Vanessa’s lack of wrestling defence and tendency to play off her back could allow Horth to dictate position for extended stretches. While Horth by decision looks likely, her size advantage makes a late stoppage possible too.
Lean: Horth via Decision / Fight Doesn’t Go the Distance

Philip Rowe vs. Ange Loosa
Rowe is the longer, more dangerous fighter with finishing power that carries into later rounds. Loosa may have some success early with pace and wrestling, but Rowe has the cleaner tools and can win this multiple ways if he stays composed.
Lean: Rowe Inside the Distance / Round 2 KO/ Round 3 KO

Ricky Simon vs. Cameron Smotherman
Simon takes a big step down in competition and should have the edge everywhere. Smotherman’s chin is questionable, and Ricky has tools to capitalise with ground control and submission threats. Smotherman’s only real chance is landing something big early.
Lean: Simon Inside the Distance / Under 2.5 rounds

Cody Durden vs. Jose Ochoa
Durden’s grinding wrestling approach may backfire here. Ochoa is sharp with front chokes and back takes, especially when opponents leave their neck out on shots — which Durden often does. This feels like a dangerous spot for him.
Lean: Ochoa Inside the Distance / Sub Round 2 or 3

Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Kris Moutinho
Wellmaker is the sharper, more powerful striker and should find Moutinho’s defence too porous to last long. Moutinho is stepping in last minute and has taken damage in previous UFC outings.
Lean: Wellmaker Inside the Distance / Round 1 KO (+140)

Michael Chiesa vs. Court McGee
Chiesa should have enough advantages in wrestling and scrambling to win this one, but McGee has long been a tricky veteran to deal with, even at age 40. He’s tough to finish and could make things more competitive than expected.
Lean: Chiesa via Decision

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato
Bellato has the power and physicality to stop Craig, especially if he avoids prolonged grappling exchanges. Craig is always live for a submission if it hits the mat, but the Brazilian should be able to control where the fight takes place.
Lean: Bellato by KO or TKO

Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy
Menifield will likely be tough to take down early, but Sy’s jab and overall movement should help him take control as the fight goes on. If Sy starts landing clean, the finish could come late.
Lean: Sy Inside the Distance / Over 1.5 rounds / KO Round 2 or 3

Cody Brundage vs. Mansur Abdul-Malik
Brundage is dangerous early and always throws with intent, but Malik’s youth and ability to capitalise on defensive lapses should be enough if he can weather the early pressure. Expect chaos in the first few minutes. Malik should win, but doesn't feel there's much value there.
Lean: Under 1.5 rounds / Brundage Round 1 KO

Cody Garbrandt vs. Raoni Barcelos
Both men have durability questions, but Barcelos’ volume, grappling edge, and experience could carry him in a close one. Still, either man is capable of scoring a finish in the right exchange.
Lean: Fight Doesn’t Go the Distance/ Barcelos ITD

Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski
Shahbazyan is at his most dangerous early and still has serious power. Petroski can grapple but lacks reliable cardio and striking defence, making Edmen’s early KO threat very real here.
Lean: Shahbazyan by KO / Round 2 KO

Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick
Expect a measured, competitive fight between two durable athletes. Neither is a consistent finisher, and both know each other’s games well from training — making the distance the likeliest outcome.
Lean: Namajunas via Decision / Over 2.5 rounds 

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley
Buckley catches Usman at a time where the former champion’s durability and athleticism may be waning. If Buckley can stay upright early, his speed and power could tell over five rounds.
Lean: Buckley by KO 

UFC Atlanta is shaping up to be an entertaining card with high stoppage potential across several fights. A few veteran names face major tests against surging opponents, and multiple matchups offer strong value in the violence markets.