The preliminary portion of UFC Fight Night: Usman vs Buckley in Atlanta delivered a diverse and dramatic slate of action on June 14, 2025, at State Farm Arena, culminating in an unexpected conclusion.
The early fights set a high bar with impressive performances, highlighted by several thrilling finishes that ignited the crowd and showcased rising talent alongside seasoned veterans securing crucial wins. From explosive knockouts to tactical decisions and a controversial no contest, the prelims provided a little bit of everything before the main card kicked off.
Here’s a breakdown of all the results and key moments from the UFC Atlanta preliminary card:
Controversial Ending to the Prelims
Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato: Declared a No Contest
The final preliminary bout between light heavyweights Paul Craig and Rodolfo Bellato ended abruptly and controversially, being ruled a no contest at 4:58 of the first round.
The rescheduled fight, which was initially postponed due to Bellato falling ill, was competitive in the opening frame. Bellato managed to take the fight to the ground in the final minute, but while attempting to advance position from top control, he was struck by an accidental upkick to the face from a grounded Craig. Bellato was clearly unable to continue, and after evaluation, the bout was waved off. As the foul was deemed unintentional, the official result was a no contest.
Highlight-Reel Knockouts Electrify Atlanta
Malcolm Wellmaker def. Kris Moutinho via KO (Round 1, 2:37)
Georgia native Malcolm Wellmaker delivered arguably the most spectacular finish of the night, blowing the roof off State Farm Arena with a first-round knockout of Kris Moutinho. Competing close to his Augusta home, Wellmaker remained undefeated and collected his second walk-off knockout win in just eight weeks. Showing immense confidence, Wellmaker took the fight to Moutinho early, landing a sharp body kick before stepping off and unleashing a devastating right hook that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas unconscious. Now 10-0 overall and 2-0 in the UFC with two highlight finishes, the bantamweight is quickly emerging as a significant threat in the 135-pound division, positioning himself for a potential step up in competition.
Jose Ochoa def. Cody Durden via KO (Round 2, 0:11)
Flyweight prospect Jose Ochoa earned his crucial first UFC victory in impressive fashion, stopping Covington, Georgia’s own Cody Durden just seconds into the second round. Ochoa controlled much of the first round with his striking, even after eating a shot late and being taken down. However, he wasted no time in the second stanza, coming out aggressively and connecting with an uppercut that quickly dispatched Durden. The 24-year-old Peruvian, training under Diego Lima, bounced back from his debut loss and showcased the high potential many observers see in him, marking himself as one to watch in the flyweight ranks.
Phil Rowe def. Ange Loosa via TKO (Strikes, Round 3, 4:03)
“The Fresh Prince” Phil Rowe pulled off a gritty comeback victory, needing and securing a third-round finish against Ange Loosa. Loosa controlled the first round with wrestling and edged the second with late striking, putting Rowe in a tough spot heading into the final frame. However, Rowe patiently worked early in the third, defending grappling threats before overwhelming Loosa with a torrent of unanswered strikes after knocking out his opponent’s mouthguard. This significant comeback win snapped a two-fight skid for the Orlando-based welterweight and maintained his remarkable 100 percent finishing rate, proving his danger when he settles into the fight.
Veteran Decisions on the Prelims
Michael Chiesa def. Court McGee via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
In a battle of former Ultimate Fighter winners, Michael Chiesa edged out Court McGee in a low-output, grinding welterweight contest that went the distance. “Maverick” Chiesa was the slightly more effective fighter throughout, utilizing lateral movement and longer, rangier strikes to prevent the tough McGee from establishing a consistent rhythm or flow. The 37-year-old Chiesa swept the scorecards, securing his third consecutive victory. Having spoken about making a push up the divisional ladder this year, this win positions him for a potential matchup against another established name in the welterweight division later in 2025.
Ricky Simon def. Cameron Smotherman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Veteran bantamweight Ricky Simon earned his second win of 2025 with a workmanlike unanimous decision over short-notice replacement Cameron Smotherman. Simon relied heavily on his wrestling throughout the three rounds, effectively controlling the dangerous DWCS alum. While not the highlight finish of his previous outing, it was a smart, dominant performance that saw the Vancouver, Washington native sweep the judges’ scorecards. Now 10-5 inside the Octagon and 22-6 overall, the consistently ranked Simon remains a tough test for anyone looking to climb the bantamweight ranks, setting up anticipation for his next assignment as he targets a third straight win.
Opening the Show in Atlanta
Jamey-Lyn Horth def. Vanessa Demopoulos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Kicking off the night’s action, Jamey-Lyn Horth delivered her most complete performance yet inside the Octagon, dominating short-notice opponent Vanessa Demopoulos for three rounds. The British Columbia native took full advantage of Demopoulos moving up a division, pressuring with confidence and consistently out-striking her American counterpart. Horth was the far more impactful fighter throughout, securing a dominant unanimous decision victory across all three judges’ scorecards. The win moves Horth to 8-2 overall and 3-2 in the UFC, getting her back into the win column with a strong performance ahead of the promotion’s return to Canada later this year.
The preliminary card in Atlanta certainly offered an action-packed start to the night, featuring memorable knockouts, strategic decisions, and a controversial conclusion, setting the stage for the main card of UFC Fight Night: Usman vs Buckley.
