Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman returned
to winning ways on Saturday night, snapping a three-fight skid with a
commanding unanimous decision victory over surging contender Joaquin Buckley in
the main event of UFC Atlanta.
Usman, who had not tasted victory since outpointing
Colby Covington in November 2021, was under pressure following consecutive
losses — including a knockout defeat and decision loss to Leon Edwards, and a
closely contested bout against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in October 2023.
Facing Buckley, the fighter known as “The Nigerian
Nightmare” showcased his trademark wrestling dominance. After slipping under a
punch to secure an early takedown in the opening round, Usman controlled
position and landed a series of ground strikes that left Buckley with a cut
above his eye.
Though Buckley found some success on his feet in the
second round, Usman once again dragged the fight to the mat, neutralizing any
momentum the St. Louis native attempted to build. The third round followed a
similar pattern, with Buckley landing a strong punch before being taken down
and controlled for the remainder of the frame.
The fourth round saw more of the same, as Buckley
swung wildly before succumbing to Usman’s superior grappling. In a display of
resilience, Buckley managed to stuff five takedown attempts in the fifth round,
but Usman had already done enough to secure a decisive win.
After the final horn, an emotional Usman spoke to
commentator Paul Felder, holding back tears as he reflected on his long road
back to victory.
“This was a battle — not just in the cage, but in
life,” Usman said. “But I’m back.”
The 37-year-old veteran ended the interview with a
warning to the rest of the welterweight division:
“The rest of the welterweight division, listen — I
have and always will be the f—— boogeyman.”
The victory re-establishes Usman as a formidable
presence at 170 pounds and opens the door for renewed title aspirations in the
UFC’s stacked welterweight class.
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