Quick Read
- Kamaru Usman secures his first victory in over three years, defeating Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta.
- Usman relied on his wrestling to dominate the first four rounds, despite a late surge by Buckley in the final frame.
- The win positions Usman as a contender for a future welterweight title fight, marking a pivotal moment in his storied career.
The roaring crowd at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena bore witness to a moment of personal triumph Saturday night as Kamaru Usman, once the undisputed king of the welterweight division, returned to his winning ways. For the first time in over three years, Usman’s hand was raised in victory, a unanimous decision over the ever-dangerous Joaquin Buckley. The result was more than a number on a scorecard; it was a reclamation of identity for a fighter who had once seemed invincible.
Usman’s Journey: From Dominance to Doubt
Kamaru Usman’s career has been a study in extremes. At his peak, he was a force of nature, stringing together 15 straight UFC wins and defending his welterweight title five times. Yet, the past three years painted a different picture. A devastating head-kick loss to Leon Edwards in 2022 marked the start of a downward spiral, followed by two more defeats—one in a rematch with Edwards and another against rising star Khamzat Chimaev. Once a pound-for-pound great, Usman found himself grappling with self-doubt and questions about his future in the sport.
“It’s been a while,” Usman admitted, his voice cracking with emotion in his post-fight interview. “I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level.”
The fight against Buckley was more than just a test of skill; it was a test of resilience. After a 20-month layoff, Usman returned to the Octagon at 38, an age where most fighters are contemplating retirement. Yet, his performance against Buckley was a reminder of what makes him special. He relied on his collegiate wrestling roots, controlling the fight through the first four rounds before surviving a late surge by his younger opponent.
The Fight: A Clash of Grit and Power
Usman’s strategy was evident from the opening bell. Within the first minute, he ducked under Buckley’s punch to secure a takedown, establishing dominance on the ground. This pattern repeated itself through the next three rounds, with Usman using his wrestling to neutralize Buckley’s explosive striking. By the end of the fourth round, Buckley’s face bore the marks of Usman’s relentless ground-and-pound, including a cut near his right eye.
Yet, the final round told a different story. Buckley, 31, came out swinging, landing hooks and uppercuts that forced Usman to rely on his experience to avoid a knockout. According to UFC Stats, Usman’s takedown accuracy plummeted in the final frame, going 0-for-6 after a stellar 4-for-7 performance in the earlier rounds. Despite Buckley’s late rally, the judges’ scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 reflected Usman’s overall control of the fight.
“I’m just glad to be in this Octagon with someone who is known as one of the best,” Buckley said post-fight. “This ain’t gonna be the end. We’re just getting started.”
What’s Next for Usman and the Welterweight Division?
Usman’s victory sends ripples through the welterweight division, where he now positions himself as a potential contender for the winner of the upcoming title fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. For a fighter who was once the division’s boogeyman, this win serves as a statement: Usman is far from done.
“The rest of the welterweight division, listen,” Usman declared after the fight. “I have and always will be the boogeyman.”
However, the road ahead is far from easy. The division is brimming with talent, from established champions to hungry contenders like Buckley. For Usman, each fight from here on out will be a test of both skill and time, as he seeks to defy the odds and add another chapter to his storied career.
As for Buckley, the loss snaps a six-fight winning streak, but his spirited performance against a former champion only enhances his reputation as a rising star. At 31, he has time on his side and remains a formidable force in the division.
Kamaru Usman’s victory at UFC Fight Night was more than a win; it was a redemption arc for a fighter who has given his all to the sport. As he looks to the future, the story of his resilience will continue to inspire fans and fighters alike.