At a Glance
- Kamaru Usman ends a three-fight skid with a dominant win over Joaquin Buckley in UFC return.
- Usman outstruck Buckley 137-51, proving he still belongs among UFC’s elite.
- Comeback win reignites Usman’s title-contender prospects in shifting welterweight division.
Kamaru Usman, the Nigerian-American UFC icon and former welterweight champion, reignited his career with a commanding unanimous decision victory over rising star Joaquin Buckley in the main event at UFC in Atlanta.
The comeback reaffirms Usman’s elite status in the welterweight division and signals he still has the arsenal to compete at the sport’s highest level.
The win ends a brutal three-fight losing streak for the 38-year-old and marks his first triumph in nearly four years.
Veteran dominance shines through in UFC Atlanta
Usman, who hadn’t stepped into the Octagon in 20 months, returned to the spotlight in style at State Farm Arena, scoring 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 on the judges’ scorecards.
“I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level,” Usman said post-fight. “Sometimes when you’re facing a young, hungry guy like that—very talented, very aggressive—you’ve got to lean on your experience. That’s exactly what I did tonight.”
Known for his elite wrestling and pressure control, Usman implemented a masterclass in strategy, executing takedowns in the first four rounds and dominating ground control.
He outstruck Buckley 137-51 in total strikes and amassed over 13 minutes of control time—a stark contrast to Buckley’s otherwise impressive UFC run, where he was undefeated in his last five bouts.
Usman’s Atlanta Win Fuels Comeback Momentum
The bout also silenced critics who questioned whether the aging fighter could still hang with the new wave of welterweight contenders.
Usman’s durability and fight IQ were on full display, leveraging both physical prowess and years of Octagon experience to subdue Buckley’s explosive style.
Usman, who once held the UFC welterweight title with five successful defenses, improves his professional MMA record to 16-3.
His performance in Atlanta has stirred renewed conversations about a potential top-contender run, especially in a division currently undergoing a reshuffle of elite talent.
The victory is not just a personal redemption arc but also a message to the UFC community: Kamaru Usman remains a force to be reckoned with.
As the UFC welterweight rankings adjust, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what’s next for the former pound-for-pound king.
