With UFC Atlanta just days away, the spotlight is on a shocking co-main event clash that has fans and analysts asking: Is this Kamaru Usman’s last stand? The former welterweight king will face rising star Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley in a high-stakes, legacy-defining bout.

And weighing in with bold final predictions is none other than UFC Hall of Famer and commentator Michael Bisping, who didn’t hold back in his fight breakdown.

 Two Careers, Two Directions

Once the most dominant force at 170 pounds, Kamaru Usman enters UFC Atlanta having lost three straight fights—two to Leon Edwards and one short-notice middleweight loss to Khamzat Chimaev. The questions are mounting: has “The Nigerian Nightmare” slowed down? Or is he still the same elite technician who once ruled the division?

On the other side, Joaquin Buckley is red hot. After a thunderous knockout of Vicente Luque and a transition to welterweight that shocked doubters, Buckley is no longer just a viral KO artist—he’s a serious contender.

 Bisping’s Breakdown

Michael Bisping, speaking on his Believe You Me podcast, made his final prediction—and it raised eyebrows.

“If Usman doesn’t show vintage form, this could be his last dance,” Bisping said. “But don’t count him out yet. He’s smart, experienced, and his back is against the wall.”

Bisping noted that while Buckley is explosive and unpredictable, Usman’s wrestling, composure, and championship rounds experience are huge X-factors.

“If Usman mixes it up, gets inside, and takes this to the ground early, he can grind out a decision,” Bisping predicted. “But if he lets Buckley dictate the pace on the feet… it could be lights out.”

Final Prediction: BISPING PICKS… USMAN (Split Decision)

Despite the hype behind Buckley, Bisping is sticking with the former champ.

“I think we see one more classic Usman performance. Buckley is dangerous early, but Usman’s IQ, cardio, and jab carry him through.”

 Is This Really the End?

For many fans and analysts, UFC Atlanta feels like a make-or-break moment for Kamaru Usman. Another loss could send him into retirement, while a win puts him right back in the welterweight mix—or potentially sets up a move to middleweight with a renewed narrative.

For Buckley, a win over a legend like Usman would catapult him into title contention and silence any remaining doubters about his legitimacy at 170.

 Final Word

Whether this is truly Usman’s last dance, or the beginning of an epic comeback, UFC Atlanta promises fireworks. And according to Bisping, don’t count the old lion out just yet.